Week of March 21, 2011

Last week was a big week in the Upper School. We hosted a conference for the Independent Curriculum Group on Students as Co-Creators of Schools. We welcomed 120 participants (both staff and students), presented 12 excellent workshops, enjoyed a thought-provoking keynote address by Deborah Meier (above), and concluded the day with an interactive panel discussion (Beyond High School: What Happens Next?). CFS students and alums participated as workshop presenters and conference attendees. Below, you can see senior Miles Bonsignore and CFS grad Andrew Meriwether leading a workshop on Students as Teachers. CFS grad Philip Mayer and seniors Julia Zoltners and Emma Armstrong-Carter were also a part of this workshop. All of our student presenters took their jobs seriously. They were knowledgeable, well organized, and well spoken. As I watched from the back of the room, I had a big smile on my face the entire time.















RACE TO NOWHERE
While 40 of our students attended the ICG conference, the rest of our students were viewing Race to Nowhere, a documentary about the stress that some of our adolescents experience and how school might be related to that stress. At the conclusion of the film, Mike Hanas led a conversation with our students. We had handed out 3x5 cards before beginning the film so students could write comments and questions. Here are just a few of their comments:

"It shocks me to think that people are so stressed with school and homework loads that they become physically ill or hurt themselves."

"Teachers should really realize that homework can do more harm than good. I find myself constantly losing sleep to finish homework."

"I think that CFS can inform the parents about homework overload so they can lighten up a little. My parents have pushed me too hard for too long."

"CFS should try one week without homework."

"I feel that I learn things for tests but once the test is over the information I learn becomes useless. It goes right out of my head."

"CFS does a really great job of limiting stress and encouraging learning."

THERE WILL BE A SCREENING OF RACE TO NOWHERE FOR PARENTS ON TUESDAY, MARCH 22 AT 6:45 IN THE MEETING HALL, FOLLOWED BY A BRIEF PANEL DISCUSSION.

WHO WILL CARRY THE WORD?
Wednesday, March 23rd at 7:30 p.m. in the Upper School Meeting Hall - presentation of “Who Will Carry the Word?” by Charlotte Delbo, a French Holocaust survivor. The goal of the production is to raise awareness and funds for the Genocide Intervention Network. This evening will offer a series of monologues presented by Upper School students and directed by senior Samantha Garlock.

CABARET SATURDAY, MARCH 26 7:30pm in the CENTER
It's that time! You don't want to miss this evening of entertainment. If either Duke or UNC is playing in the tournament, please use your Tivo. If needed, we will announce scores throughout the evening. Entertainment will be provided by Upper School students, staff members, and parents. This family-friendly event is an important fundraiser for our End-of-Year service projects in Nicaragua and Trinidad. We hope to have a BIG CROWD!!