Week of March 31

Welcome back from spring break! I just had to include at least one picture from our trip to Mexico. Willy and I are seen here enjoying a boat excursion in spectacular Cabo San Lucas. In the background are my daughter-in-law Jeanine and granddaughter Eden. I realize this is an interesting combination of photos, but I just had to include this second picture. On the last day of school before break, Dave cleaned out the cubbies outside his room. All of the food in this picture is packaged and uneaten--some great homemade sandwiches, lots of apples and other packaged snacks. This is a common occurrence on many afternoons--finding complete and uneaten lunches. I thought this photograph might encourage some discussions between parents and students about what students actually do with their lunches. We throw a lot of good food away.

The week ahead will be quite full, as will each week in April. This week, we will welcome two math/science candidates who will spend the day in the Upper School, interviewing, teaching and observing classes. We have a 10-member student interviewing committee that is being clerked by sophomore, Evan McGilvary. We hope to interview a third candidate next week, and are very excited about all of them.

Wednesday night, we will welcome 20 French students and their teachers for a 10-day visit. Nineteen US families have generously volunteered to host a visitor. Visiting students will attend classes in the US and do some sight-seeing with their host families. One day next week, visitors and their hosts will travel to the zoo. French teacher, Ken Mitchell, has organized this wonderful opportunity.

On Thursday, our entire freshman class will travel to downtown Durham to attend the Full Frame Film Festival. Each year, the Festival offers a special free screening for students. This year, we will see Blindsight, which documents the amazing adventure of six blind students from Tibet. Parents are also welcome to attend this screening, but would need to call for a ticket. We are also hoping to take our French visitors and may need some help with transportation. Please let me know if you are available on Thursday, from 10:30-1:30. If you drive students, we can probably provide a ticket for you.

On Friday night, seniors Krista Nordgren and Virginia Thomas are planning an all-girl overnight. All US girls are invited to spend the night. They should arrive at 7pm with sleeping bags, pillows, and pj's. Snacks will be provided. Selected female staff members will be spending the night and will try to remain as invisible as possible. This evening is for the girls to talk, play, and bond.

Just a reminder about the Woodcrest Farm School Family Days this Saturday and Sunday. Learn heritage farm skills in the beautiful setting of a turn-of-the-century working family farm. This is a family event: no unattended children, no pets, and please, appropriate footwear. Lots of fun activities will be available. Woodcrest Farm School is located at 5604 Dairyland Rd. in Hillsborough, at the intersection of Orange Grove and Dairyland Roads. Hope to see you there.

We have three away soccer games this week. Some of our freshmen are beginning driver's ed class, which lasts for three weeks. It takes a few days to get back in the swing of things after spring break, but we are on our way. The trees are budding; the azaleas are about to pop open, and spring is definitely in the air. Have a great week!