Week of April 28

We arrived at school on Friday morning to this beach scene provided by the seniors as part of their senior prank. Elise enoyed a cup of coffee in her sand-filled office. A giant whale hung above the copying machine in Willy's office with the sign "Free Willy." Live fish swam in one of the kiddie pools. Furniture from a number of classrooms was piled in a pyramid of tables and chairs in front of the big steps. Music of the Beach Boys rang through the trees as seniors danced and squirted arriving students with water pistols. The senior prank is an unsanctioned, traditional, annual event when the seniors work together to surprise the Upper School in a positive, fun way. The unwritten rule is, "You make a mess, you clean it up." Consequently, we had some mighty tired seniors returning furniture to the buildings, sweeping sand, and taking down beach umbrellas throughout the day.

With 2 weeks to go in the spring term, advisee groups are ready for our advisee day on Monday. Dave's group left for Lake Wiley on Sunday afternoon. Willy's group is headed for the open seas as Weston Clemmons takes them for a sail off of the coast of Wilmington. Most groups are staying in the area, going to Duke Gardens or a movie, playing laser tag or heading to a staff member's house to cook a meal together. During this time of year, it is not easy to give up class time in order to make this day possible. Staff members refuse eliminate advsiee day in the belief that building and maintaining a strong sense of community is as imortant as math and science.

UPPER SCHOOL ARTS UNLIMITED THURSDAY 6-8pm

We hope you have already marked your calendar and will find a way to join us for a very fun celebration of the arts in the Upper School on Thursday evening. We are asking parents to provide a salad, main dish or dessert to share with other parents. The US will provide a cookout for all attending students. Our Barbecue class will do the cooking. In addition to US families, we have invited MS Riser families to join us as we welcome them to the US community.

The art show and art auction will be held in the Meeting Hall from 6-7:45. On the patio, beginning at 7:00, bands will play, Quaker N'Oats will sing, and students will read poetry. COME CELEBRATE THE ARTS, WELCOME OUR NEW RISER FAMILIES, AND ENJOY A FUN COMMUNITY GATHERING!!

On Friday, returning students will complete a form that lets us know if they wish to remain in their current advisee group or change advisors next year. If they decide to change advisors, they will make their new advisor selection in the fall.

The Prom will be held Saturday, May 3, from 9-1, in the Meeting Hall. The theme is Murder at the Masquerade. Sounds very mysterious! Blues guitarist John Dee Holeman will play from 10:00-11:00. During the rest of the evening, CFS grad Ian Hayes will be our DJ.

CONGRATULATIONS TO SUSAN AND HER CAST & CREW OF MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING ON THEIR HIGHLY ENTERTAINING SHOW!!