Upper School Late January Details

Monday, 25 January 2010
Greetings Upper School Parents:

Seeing as January is now in full-swing, with February close on its heels, I thought I would send an up-date of recent and up-coming events and initiatives at work in the Upper School.

• The winter drama production, OUR TOWN, opens this Thursday in the Alumni Theatre. I sent a detailed e.mail (complete with cast list, performance dates and times, and ticket prices) earlier today.

• Colin Dunnigan, Glenn Squiers, and I are attending a daylong seminar outside Philadelphia entitled RE-IMAGINING HIGH SCHOOL, presented by the Independent Curriculum Group (ICG). The schools of the ICG put students at the center of the education process and are part of a growing movement of leading college preparatory schools that have de-emphasized curriculum driven by standardized testing. Considering MVS’ focus on experiential learning, we look forward to a spirited series of discussions at the seminar.

• Next Week, the MVS Model United Nations program, under the direction of Ruth Jewett-Warner and Deb Spiegel, departs for regional competition at annual The University of Chicago conference. Based upon the excellent results from our local competition at the University of Dayton, we expect a great showing.

• I will be away from MVS late next week participating in the Academy for Division Heads sponsored by Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS), the accrediting body for MVS. This annual workshop and seminar provides excellent professional development, topical discussions, and networking opportunities. As in previous years, I will then join the Model UN groups late Friday afternoon, allowing me to witness the student committees in action, as well as joining them on the bus ride home to Dayton on Sunday.

• The rosters for Spring Trimester English electives for grades 10-12 are nearly complete. Student class schedules for Spring Term can be viewed via MyBackpack. As one out-come from the recent survey on homework loads and stress, spring term English electives will not make use of lab periods, thus providing added time for students to meet with teachers, study with peers, and hopefully de-stress in the Spring.

• With the hopes of further supporting MVS’ mission of fostering compassionate global citizens, we are enhancing our outreach to international students in the Upper School. We have already made improvements to the school website to inform and attract international students interested in attending MVS; stay tuned for future up-dates. If you have an interest in learning more about becoming a host family to an international student, please contact Jack Sweeney, Director of Enrollment.

• Preparations for Immersion 2010 are well underway. If you have not already attended a planning/details meeting for your daughter or son’s Immersion Program, one is likely forthcoming. Please remember to mark your calendar for Immersion Open House (Wednesday, 14 April at 7:PM), a true MVS moment, celebrating experiential learning at its best!

• If you have phoned MVS recently, you have learned that our voicemail system is currently “on the fritz.” In the meantime, messages from in-coming calls will be forwarded to teachers and administrators via e.mail. Thank you for your patience as we attend to this matter.

Thank you for your time and continuing support of MVS. As always, should you have a question, feel free to contact your child’s Academic Advisor, teachers, or me.

With sincere regards,

Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School