Arthur Pontes: A Life Well Lived

Pete Steedman

Welcome friends, relatives and community members

We are here to celebrate the extraordinary life of Arthur Pontes

I met Art in 1995, when I was first hired to teach IB History at the American School of the Hague. He took it upon himself to walk me through the Harvard Coop and to select books that would help my students prepare for IB European History. As we engaged in conversation - Art quickly determined that I also needed to read many of these books as my knowledge of modern European history was sorely lacking. 1995 was the first year in the history of the American School of the Hague that an IB exam was to be given. He was certain that the program, despite calls to the contrary from some of his colleagues, was the right fit for the school. The only exam that was to be given that year was SL History - the course I was teaching. Why Arthur convinced the administration to give a 24 year old kid the responsibility to teach students the school’s first IB exam - I will never understand. But Art made it his mission to guide me through my years as an IB teacher. He encouraged me to become the History and English Department Head after my second year and to eventually go into Administration. It wasn’t just Arthur - I also had Jo Mary, Victor and Eillen to support me in The Hague. We taught together for 5 wonderful years. Even after my wife Honore and I moved back to the US and started a family, we kept in regular contact. 

I heard that he ended up at a school in Hyannis that was offering a radical way of offering the IB. Working in close collaboration with Director Eric Hieser, Art helped promote a concept called IB for All. A concept that, although unheard of in 2004, is widely accepted as best practice today. In 2005, I was the Dean of Students in Miami when I received a call from Art, encouraging me to apply to Sturgis.

As I understand it, Eric and Artur created a job for me that did not exist. I was to serve as the co-Ib coordinator with Arthur, while teaching History and ToK. Art and I shared a windowless office on the top floor of what was then known as Sturgis from 2006-2011. He also encouraged me to become the first Principal at West. In 2013, he joined me at the new Sturgis West building as an English teacher. Every morning, he would greet me the same way: “Pete, I don’t care what the teachers are saying about you in the staff lounge, I think you’re doing great job.”

As he watched my children grow - he also helped me become a better parent. When my three kids were not listening to me and my wife Honore, we would get Santa Claus on the phone to talk to our children about the importance of listening to our parents. Santa Claus was, of course, Arthur. I was so fortunate that - as I was learning the art of teaching and administration, I had a front row seat to a master of the craft. He taught me many so lessons on how to be a better educator. 

One day, I was visiting Arthur and JoMary at their home Hyannis. I heard music coming from his basement study. When I walked down the stairs to find Arthur, jamming out to (I think it was) Brittany Spears, I joked with him that I didn’t know he had such eclectic taste in music. He looked at me puzzled and shared, “Well, of course, I listen to what my students listen to - how else will I be able to connect with them?” There are so many lessons- like this one that Art taught me over the years. Another example was that, as his Department Head in The Hague, I was also curious as to why he never bought books for his students until after the school year began. When I asked him about it, he shared, “well, I take the first few weeks getting to know the student. Once I know them better, then I order the books that they might enjoy.” The idea of forcing ‘The Cannon’ on students never made much sense to Arthur. But maybe the most profound lesson Art taught me was rooted in the simple sign that he hung over his desk in The Hague. From Hippocrates, It read, “First, Do No Harm.” Because Art lived his life following this principle, we are gathered here today to celebrate him because in our interactions with him, he made sure that no matter how stressful or busy life was in the corridors of ASH or Sturgis, Art made sure that in his interactions with students, staff and families that first.....he did no harm.

We are here to celebrate the remarkable life of Arthur Pontes. As we listen to his family and friends here today, let us recognize the gifts Arthur gave to us. I know that I speak for all of us in this room when I say that I am a better teacher, administrator, parent, friend and person because I knew Arthur Pontes.

Paul Marble

Good afternoon. Thank you, Pete, and thank you, Jo Mary, for the privilege of speaking today.

My name is Paul Marble, this is my ninth year as executive director of Sturgis, and I have been guided and inspired by Arthur Pontes since we both arrived at Sturgis in the fall of 2004.

Arthur was our first IB Coordinator and Theory of Knowledge teacher. Prior to his retirement in 2015, Arthur also taught English and History, and was instrumental in shaping the culture of both of our campuses. Jo Mary recently noted that Arthur considered Sturgis to be “the culmination of his career”. We are here today in celebration of Arthur, his life, and his life’s work. What is Arthur’s life’s work? I’ll come back to that in a couple of minutes. As Arthur would say, that’s foreshadowing.

Arthur loved teaching and students, and students love Arthur. Our seniors would choose him to deliver a graduation address every chance possible. His last address was to Sturgis West when he retired in 2015. Just before that, he addressed the Sturgis East class of 2012. Arthur was a speaker beyond compare, and I won’t quote him here. But, I will quote two of his former students. 

Every year, each senior writes a graduation speech as their final assignment. I want to read two quotes from the Sturgis East class of 2012.

From Alia: “Mr. Pontes, thank you for literally treating me like royalty all year long and inspiring me to continue with my creative writing. He compared it to Hemingway, so that was kind of a confidence-booster".

From Connor: "[Mr. Pontes] never gave up on me and is one of the wisest and most intelligent people I have ever been privileged to meet in my life. One night, he called me at home expressing concern for my sinking quiz grades and asking if I was feeling well. Never has anyone reached out so far during a time I felt so low. The amount of care Mr. Pontes has for each of his students is unmatched”.

I can relate to Alia and Connor. Perhaps you can, too. Arthur called me in 2005 to let me know a student had said good things about me. He called me last year when my wife was in the hospital because he was worried. And, he called me days before he passed away to talk about family, life, and Sturgis, and he treated me like royalty that day.

A few years ago, I was going through another challenging time. Arthur came to school and gave me a new copy of the pocket Dhammapada, and showed me the decades old copy he carried with him each day, held together by duct tape. This was the last of tens of books Arthur gave to me over the years. Perhaps he has given you a book, too.

In verse 12 of The Dhammapada, entitled “Yourself”, there is a line that goes: 

Your work is to discover your work

And then with all your heart

To give yourself to it.

As we celebrate Arthur today, I can’t say for certain what he would have considered to be his life’s work. It does seem plain to me that Alia, Connor, and I all agree that Arthur - with all his heart - inspired a love of learning, encouraged you, reached out when you were low, and treated you like royalty. He was the consummate teacher, mentor, colleague, and human being.

So, back to that foreshadowing. Perhaps I could call teaching Arthur’s life’s work, then. Or, perhaps, it would be more honest to say that we are his life’s work.

And, in our eyes, to borrow a word from Alia, Arthur Pontes was “royalty”.

Thank you.

Eric Hieser

Arthur Pontes Celebration By Eric Hieser

Good afternoon! Thank you, Jo Mary, for the opportunity to speak today, and, Pete, thanks for the introduction. It is such a real joy to see so many friends here today. In fact, I am proud to say that I hired a significant number of the faculty in attendance today.

I have the utmost gratitude for the privilege of knowing and working with Arthur Pontes as over the years he became the Thought Leader and the Soul of the School at Sturgis Charter School.

It was 6 years before his arrival at Sturgis when I first met Arthur. I was a candidate for the HS principal position at the American School of The Hague, and my interview schedule had a personal meeting with Arthur, which seemed a little strange as most of my meetings included multiple participants. Reflecting back after the meeting with Arthur, it did not seem strange at all as Arthur had an amazing ability to make the interview more like a conversation rather than the typical Q & A.

Fast forward 6 years, I transitioned from Mystic Valley Charter School in the middle of the school year to Sturgis to become the Executive Director at Sturgis Charter and needed an IB Coordinator with outstanding experience to implement an IB for All program. I hired Arthur and Jo Mary, and we were also lucky to hire Chris Andre, the current Director at The American School of Rabat, Morocco, to join us from Peabody HS as our principal at Sturgis.

Before school started our first year in 2004, Arthur, Chris Andre, and I were sitting around a table in my office wondering if we could really pull off this “IB for All” at a funky little public school in a renovated furniture store and no admission standards for students taking the IB. After a rather chaotic start of school, we found that we really had our hands full! Several years later, Arthur reflected the following: “They say you should be careful what your ask for. . .a challenge it was . . . and I recall thinking this is impossible. We can never make everybody IB ready.

Nonetheless, we began operating under the assumption that, of course, IB for All will work. We had to think positively, didn’t we? . . . Looking back now, it seems like it was inevitable that the school would succeed.”

Arthur had a profound impact on his students and his colleagues. I will say that he could be a little bit wordy at times, but we all knew he was speaking from the heart. Sometimes we would boil down Arthur’s views into shorter, more memorable phrases. Arthur encouraged faculty to see what is, and helped them realize what could be. Arthur would frequently say “we teach kids, not stuff” as a way of emphasizing that memorizing facts is not as important as “developing student habits of mind”. Maybe as a way of partially rationalizing our facilities, we would remind people that “buildings don’t make schools, people do!”

(As Paul Marble said earlier), students were so taken with Arthur’s impact on them that each year he was selected by the seniors to speak at Graduation. But Arthur humbly stepped back every second year to give his colleagues this opportunity. One student said about Arthur, “thank you for shaping Sturgis into something amazing. It makes me feel more excited to learn”! From another student: “Sturgis means the world to me”. And another student: “he has changed the lives of so many”! And many other students: “it is hard, but worth it!”

Arthur later reflected to me: “I repeat what I once said to you 5 years ago—thank you for making my last professional years so fulfilling. Thank you for including Jo Mary and me in the exciting, transformative, and meaningful experiment that has become Sturgis.” But I say, Arthur, you made it exciting, transformative, and meaningful for all of us!

We all have been so lucky to have known Arthur and Jo Mary Pontes. “Thank you” are words that can never express our gratitude for Arthur and Jo Mary’s impact on us, our whole school, and students and families around the world. You are missed terribly already, but certainly won’t be forgotten!

Thank you and best wishes to all!

Gordon Harris

My name is Gordon Harris, President of the Board of Trustees at Sturgis Charter Public School Mr. Pontes, Arthur, has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of many. His journey from a dedicated teacher at Sturgis Public Charter School to a respected board member is a testament to his unwavering commitment to education and his profound impact on our community.

Arthur was not just an educator; he was a beacon of light and inspiration for all who had the privilege of knowing him. His classrooms were sanctuaries of learning, where curiosity was kindled, and each student was encouraged to explore their potential.

I know, for my daughter Zoe, having “Mr. Pontes” as her teacher was a transformative experience. She always spoke so highly of him as an educator and as a person. He had a unique ability to connect with his students, to understand their individual needs and aspirations, and to guide them with wisdom and compassion.

In our personal interactions, Arthur and I often spoke Dutch, reminiscing about our shared experience living in the Netherlands. This was always such a “Dutch Treat” for me, because not only is it incredibly rare to encounter another American who speaks Dutch, but also how well he spoke Dutch. These conversations transported me back to my own days at the International School of Amsterdam, also an IB school for all, where I learned under my favorite teacher, Donald Morton.

Like that cherished educator from my past, Arthur possessed a rare gift for inspiring and nurturing the minds of young learners. His passion for teaching and his dedication to his students were truly remarkable.

As a board member, Arthur continued to champion the cause of education with the same fervor and commitment that defined his teaching career. His insights and experience as an educator brought invaluable perspectives to the board, and his decisions were always guided by a deep-seated belief in the potential of every student. His contributions have left an enduring legacy that will continue to shape the future of our school and our community.

Arthur's passing is a profound loss, but his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched. His legacy is one of kindness, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He showed us what it means to be a true educator and a compassionate leader. We will forever be grateful for the positive impact he has made on our lives and for the inspiration he provided to all of us.

Let us honor Arthur by continuing to uphold the values he cherished and by striving to make a difference in the lives of others, just as he did. In our hearts, he will always be remembered as a teacher, a mentor, a colleague, a friend, a Legend. Thank you.

Steve McDowell

Good afternoon,

I had been acquainted with Art ever since his brother Vic, my old colleague and friend, introduced us decades ago.  Years afterwards I would run into him a few times when we both were IB coordinators—Art in Holland at The Hague while I ran the program in Cairo, Egypt. 

So when I ended up at Sturgis, I was happy to see a familiar face. 

As colleagues we developed a mutual respect and admiration for each other.  For a couple of years, it was a real treat for me to share the same classroom with him.  As everyone here has told you, Art was a great educator and most deserving of all the accolades given to him. 

However, at some point in those first years at Sturgis, my wife Meridith and I were invited to a dinner party at JoMary and Art’s house  that started it all…  

The four started to double date! 

For over a decade now we have gotten together over meals at restaurants and at each other’s homes as often as we could—the food was always great but the conversation was even better. 

As we aged and all finally retired, dinners turned to lunches so we didn’t have to stay up so late, but the wonderful conversations continued. 

Lunches actually gave us more time to talk.  Meridith remembers one time at their place that we went over before noon and did not return back home until after six that evening. 

What do expect when we collectively have put together three centuries worth of experience, stories, adventures and opinions---and I dare say, some wit and wisdom thrown in. 

That is the Arthur I will remember best.  Telling stories and helping out JoMary in the kitchen with one of her wonderful meals.  Not everyone saw what a deep connection they had.  Their devotion and great commitment to each other were absolute. 

In recent years our meetings with them became fewer.  It sometimes seemed our visits were spent as often around hospital beds as dining tables.  We were getting older.  But Art was always by JoMary’s side when she was laid up, and she by his—always. 

The last time we saw him in the hospital, he told us the fatal diagnosis.  He just wanted to get home and was only waiting for them to run one more test to confirm. He whispered to me, “I don’t want to die in a damn hospital”. 

 I wanted to help my dear friend but there was nothing I could do. 

Art was a man of books—many were next to him at the hospital bed—so any wisdom that words could provide, he already knew. 

And any solace that love could provide was there for him as well with a devoted wife and a wonderfully supportive family that surrounded him in his final weeks. 

Still, I wanted to give him something so I wrote him a poem. 

 As his condition worsened, I was worried that I wouldn’t finish my little gift in time.  The last time that I saw him in person, his house full of supportive relatives, he looked so weak and was in much pain. 

A week before Christmas, I dropped off my little poem to his house, giving it the hospice care worker by the door, not knowing if he would get a chance to see it. 

A couple of days later, he phoned me.  More family had just left and he sounded pretty good.  He told me the poem meant a lot to him, and I told him how much he meant to me. It was the last time we spoke. 

I wrote the poem for Arthur, but JoMary asked me to share it with you here today 

And like Art, I generally do what she tells me to!