Week of October 11, 2010

Last week, our volleyball teams dressed in pink and held bake sales to raise money for Volley for the Cure, with a focus on breast cancer awareness. They raised $370 by selling their yummy goods. On Friday night at Volley for the Cure, they played Burlington Christian Academy and won 3 games to 1. As one of the parents stated, "We are proud of their sportswomanship!" The top picture is our varsity team. Just below that is our jv team. You can also see some wonderful action shots taken by parent Rachel Anderson.

Back to School Night was a great success. We were thrilled to welcome so many parents to the Upper School. Here, you can see 2/3 of our senior jazz trio who performed along with our wonderful Quaker N'Oats (below). There were so many singers that we couldn't capture all of them in one photo from the front row. We actually have over 20 singers. Right now, the group is rehearsing a Glee arrangement of Lean on Me, with the jazz trio as accompaniment. We will perform this number at our fall symposium in November.

PSAT

Just a reminder about the PSAT, which will be given in the US Meeting Hall at 8am on Wednesday morning. Students should bring 2 pencils, calculators, and Social Security numbers. We hope that students will arrive at 7:45 so we can start on time at 8:00.

JUNIOR NIGHT

Another reminder for juniors and their parents. Junior night is this Wednesday from 7-9pm in the Meeting Hall. This will be an information-packed evening. You won't want to miss it.

NOON DISMISSAL ON WEDNESDAY

We will have a noon dismissal on Wednesday for staff development. The staff will meet from 1-5 in a program that is being planned by the Diversity Committee. (As you can see, Wednesday is a jam-packed day!)

ALL-GIRLS SLEEPOVER

Yes, that's all the US girls! Friday at 7:30pm in the Meeting Hall. This evening is being planned by our senior women for all of the girls. They are planning snacks, talks, games, and movies. Girls should bring sleeping bags and pillows. This evening will be chaperoned by some brave and caring US parents.

STUDENTS STEP UP

It is our hope that students will take ownership of their learning. When we are able to witness students taking ownership and truly stepping up, it puts a big smile on my face. I have observed some amazing discussions in the QSA (Queer-Straight Alliance), the Environmental Club, and in Clerks (our form of student government). Members of the QSA have been focusing on identity and asking themselves challenging questions: How do you identify yourself? What is gender? What does "pride" really mean? Why change our name to the Queer-Straight Alliance instead of the Gay-Straight Alliance? Meanwhile, the Environmental Club is searching for ways to help our community be more deliberate about stewardship--collective responsibility. I know one thing for sure--We are in good hands!