NEWS FROM THE BIG APPLE
by Erica Hager
Head of Upper School
We are in the busy stage of winter! First term is under our belts and advisors, teachers, students and parents have been talking with each other about how to continue successes and growth in the second semester. Mid-year advisor conferences are such a pleasure. We are well into the routine of the year and our knowledge of each student, along with parent insight, makes for productive and meaningful conversation. Thank you, parents, for your time on conference day!
Our advising curriculum is now focused on cyber safety and bullying. The recent tragedy in Hadley, MA sadly coincides with this unit. Remember to be vigilant about understanding what your kids are sending and receiving on their phones and online. Don’t ever stop being overt about the necessity of our children learning good face-to-face interpersonal skills and showing respect for all people.
Ninth grade just competed in the annual Eleanor Crow Public Speaking Contest. Thi
s year’s invited judges consisted of a professional actor and theatre company founder, an actor and educator, and a college speech professor. The speeches were beautifully written and well delivered, and all of our competitors won praise for their craftsmanship and delivery from our panel of judges. The ninth grader selected as the winner was Allie Goodrich, whose speech inspired by her dog encouraged humans to live more “in the moment” and to enjoy life!
Many incredible things are happening in our classrooms as always. History Day projects are almost finished, some of which will go on to the Regional competition in March. The sixth graders have begun their Stock Market unit- (thank you to David Slarskey for coming in and talking to our future traders about the Market!) Seventh graders are constructing their atom models, which will decorate Mrs. Schwartz’s ceiling for the next year. Students are doing greening initiatives all around campus; students are making furniture in our mentor option; the sixth and seventh grade play is two weeks away! Before you know it, spring will be here. Let’s do remember to enjoy “the moment!”