Like everyone else, I, too, looked forward to the two week vacation in March. It was a long, cold winter for all marked by, if you'll excuse the pun, a flurry of activities. Announcements, pronouncements, recitations, recreation, secondary school admissions, and Student Council activities have all helped to make the winter trimester pass more quickly, pleasantly, and in a more interesting fashion. With the coming of April, we can engage in our activities in the relative warmth of a New England spring. As I often do at this time of year, below you will find items of interest concerning the Middle School.
Planning for 2005-2006 Academic Year
As I wrote in the letter to Middle School parents, the faculty and I have begun to discuss next year's programs and teaching assignments. As I stressed earlier, this process is ongoing. Placement issues will not be decided until we near the end of the academic year. Parents will be notified of the school's recommendations by means of letters and conferences.
April 15
April 15, Friday, has been set aside for Middle School conferences. The purpose of the April conferences is to meet with individual teachers if there is a question about how your child is doing. Advisors may be available, as well. Fifth Grade teachers will also hold conferences on that day and during the week before and after. Please call Sue Bashaw at 203/421-3113, Ext.110 to schedule conferences for Grades 6 through 8 and speak directly to the 5th Grade teachers to schedule a time with them.
Eighth Grade Secondary School Search
The Class of 2005 is nearing the end of the secondary school search process. The Eighth Grade fared well in the process. Letters of acceptance have been delivered, and quite possibly the most difficult part of the process is at hand – making the final decision about which school to attend. In due time, we will publish a list of schools to which our students were accepted.
Seventh Grade Introduction to the Secondary School Process
A full timeline and a discussion of the application and interviewing process was presented to 7th Grade parents and students on Wednesday, March 30. At this meeting, we discussed the secondary school search process including a timeline of events, standardized testing, interviewing, and application procedures.
MacLane Poetry Recitations
The 49th Annual MacLane Poetry Recitations have, yet again, both amazed and inspired us all. The seriousness with which our students engage in the recitations reinforces the notion that the joy of words and ideas is alive and well at The Country School. Congratulations to each and every student who took part in the recitations, and congratulations also to the finalists.
Quebec Trip
French and Spanish teacher Nicole Burnett braved the elements to lead yet another successful trip to Quebec. Accompanied by 50 or so parents and students, she led the group through various activities including skiing, snow tubing, dog sledding, singing, and eating on the four day excursion. All reported having fun and affirmed that they would like to do the trip again soon. Thanks to Madame Burnett for her leadership and good cheer!
Student Council Dance
The Student Council will host a dance on Friday, April 8, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
In summary, I would like to reiterate how impressive the kids have been this long winter. If you allow for a bit of hyperbole, I report that our students come to school each and every day with smiles on their faces, ready to engage the adults in this community with joy, sincerity and energy that demands the best in return, and in return, they get it back from the faculty of this school.
Editor's Note:
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Dooman at 203/421-3113, Ext.137 or
mdooman@thecountryschool.org.
