April Scheduling Conferences & Spring Dress Code

Friday, 16 April 2010

Greetings Upper School Parents:

I hope this e.mail finds you well as we continue to navigate the fickle weather that defines the start of Spring. It was wonderful to see so many of you at Immersion Open House. I know that the upper school students relished sharing their stories and experiences, having yet another opportunity to re-live the wonders of Immersion 2010!

Of anticipatory excitement, today is Bump-Up Day, during which we unofficially welcomed the MVS Class of 2014 into the Upper School! The 8^th grade students experienced their future classes on a shortened schedule. In order to provide space for our 8^th grade visitors, the 9^th and 6^th grade students spent the morning off campus bowling, then returned to campus by late morning, in time for 5^th period class, lunch, and a some-what normal Friday afternoon.

Next week is World Languages Week. There will be daily celebrations of the many languages, cultures, and traditions, culminating with the upper school World Languages Feast during an extended lunch on Thursday, 22 April. Maureen Redmond, Chair of the World Languages Department, sent an e.mail with details relating to the Feast, and individual classes will discuss preparations next week.

In order to gain a better perspective of course enrollments for the 2010-11 academic year, the upper school faculty is holding our spring academic scheduling conferences next Friday, 23 April. On that day, academic classes in the Upper School will not meet in order to allow opportunities for Academic Advisors to meet with parents and students to schedule courses for next fall. If you have not heard from your child’s Academic Advisor by early next week, please contact her or him to arrange for a convenient scheduling time.

I seek your assistance with a sensitive matter that occurs (to varying degrees) each year as we progress into spring weather. As the temperatures rise outside, we encounter the challenge of determining “appropriate springtime attire” in the halls and classrooms inside. Our shared goal is to encourage students to select suitable outfits rather than needing to impose a draconian dress code. With this subject in mind, page 10 of the Upper School Handbook presents guidelines for Personal Appearance, in the spirit of empowering student responsibility to “dress right.” Please review these guidelines at home with your daughter or son; I will remind the entire upper school community on Monday during Morning Announcements. My hope is that together we can provide consistent guidance and advice regarding selecting appropriate springtime attire. Thank you for your help with this matter.

I will be away from MVS this coming Tuesday afternoon and all of Wednesday, attending the ISACS Board Meeting in Chicago. The Class Deans will keep watch of the upper school while I am away.

On Thursday, 29 April, we will host a senior class parent meeting at 7:00PM in the Alumni Theatre to discuss up-coming senior events, college counseling results, and preparations for graduation in June. Expect a detailed e.mail from the Development Office to arrive soon. I am already growing sentimental with thoughts of the Class of 2010 graduating, though am confident that they will keep in touch as future Alums.

Thank you for your attention to these details. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact your child’s Academic Advisor, Grade Dean, or me. I look forward to seeing you at an up-coming MVS athletic event soon.

With sincere regards,

Sam Wagner, Head of Upper School

Upper School Welcome to Parents of 8th Grade: Class of 2014

Friday, 16 April 2010

Greetings soon-to-be Upper School Parents!

It was a delight to welcome your children into the Upper School today during Bump-Up Day! Students attended 6 academic periods, reflecting the course offerings available during the freshman year at MVS. Teachers shared brief over-views of the curricula, discussed sample class assignments, and provided helpful hints towards achieving academic success in the Upper School.

The students concluded Bump-Up Day with a question and answer session with Deb Spiegel (Freshman Dean) and me in the US Music Room. Students were remarkably quiet, no doubt because they are calm and well-prepared for their transition into the Upper School. To address any questions (and allay any initial worries), I distributed to students copies of my Advice to Students New to the Upper School, the same document I shared during our 8^th grade parent meeting back in March. Should you need another copy, it is available on the Upper School Home Page on the MVS web: http://www.mvschool.com/academics/upperschool/announcements . Copies of all e.mails, notices, and letters that have been sent to upper school parents this year can be viewed on my MVS blog at: http://wagnersmvsblog.blogspot.com/ .

After our question and answer discussion, 8th grade students had their first meeting with their US Advisory Groups, introducing them to the cohort of present upper school students that will comprise next year’s Advisory Groups. Next week, your child’s US Advisor will contact you to arrange for a scheduling meeting to register for classes next fall. We hope to complete these scheduling meetings by Friday, 30 April.

It was great to see so many middle school students and parents at Immersion Open House. I know that the upper school students enjoyed sharing their stories and experiences with you. They are equally excited to welcome your child into the Upper School as a fellow student!

On behalf of the entire upper school community, students and faculty members, it is exciting to welcome the Class of 2014 into the Upper School; we look forward to knowing you and your child better in the weeks to come.

With sincere regards,

Sam Wagner, Head of Upper School

Advice to Students New to Upper School at MVS

April, 2010

Greetings! The transition to the Upper School at the Miami Valley School presents many exciting opportunities to new and continuing students; however, as with many transitions, we recognize that students may also encounter challenges in adjusting. Besides simply moving from our Middle School or another school to the Upper School at MVS, for many, the expectations of our college preparatory program are intense, as the work becomes progressively more analytical and conceptual. It is important, therefore, for new students to recognize quickly the expectations that will be placed upon them, establish healthy and productive study habits to meet those expectations, gauge the time necessary to succeed, recognize the various support resources available to them, and employ responsible behaviors that will contribute to a purposeful, enjoyable experience during the first year of high school and in subsequent years. Here are a few helpful suggestions which, though by no means comprehensive, students and parents should be mindful of:

1. Get to know your Academic Advisor, Class Dean, and Head of Upper School as soon as possible. These adults will prove to be great advocates. The purpose of the Advisory System is to facilitate communication between MVS and home in providing individual contact and support for each student. Advisory Groups meet at least once a month; Academic Advisors will schedule two formal parent conferences a year, and can be contacted by voice or e.mail as questions arise.

2. Ask lots of questions. If you need clarification on a topic or require assistance in determining a solution to a problem, ask your Academic Advisor, a teacher, peers, the Class Dean, or Head of Upper School.

3. Be proactive. Seek out your teachers (and Academic Advisor) for extra assistance, establishing a regular meeting time for support, should you need it. Approach teachers before you feel anxious, rather than enduring through a problem. Although your schedule may not align perfectly with that of a teacher's, faculty members are approachable and eager to meet with you. Should you require further academic support, the Class Dean may assign you to a study hall, monitored by a faculty member. For most students, though, “free” periods allow ample time for attaining extra help, though you need to be active in seeking and clarifying the help you need.

4. Go the extra distance. Homework and daily preparation for classes are important keys to succeeding in the Upper School; however, if you simply “do” your homework by cursory reading, writing, or quick review, you may encounter surprises. Completing your homework means following up on materials covered in class, actively reviewing class notes, outlining and taking notes on reading, and mapping out strategies and schedules for longer term assignments.

5. On average, 1/2 to 3/4 of an hour’s worth of study is normal for each of your classes, with obvious variance to this rule. Two to four hours of homework an evening is realistic, although at “crunch times” you may have more. Remember to balance your desire to do well academically with the value of being involved in other MVS activities, as well as the importance of family time and the freedom to lead a “normal” teenage life.

6. Take time to review the many academic, extracurricular, athletic, and co-curricular offerings in the Upper School; get involved in at least one activity. Students who are involved in the MVS community tend to adjust more quickly.

7. While being with friends is an important facet of the school day, it is suggested early in the year that you establish good habits regarding the use of your time. The “free” periods that you have in your schedule are designed to encourage you in being independent and self-reliant. While we value the balance of freedom and responsibility here at MVS, much of your time during free periods should be used productively for studying, seeking help, or working on extracurricular activities. Students new to the Upper School (including all freshmen) will be assigned to at least one proctored study hall at the start of the Fall Trimester. Reserve some time to be with friends and relax, but make sure you apportion your time for appropriate school related work.

8. Don’t let your work pile up. If you find yourself falling behind, seek out your teacher or Academic Advisor right away to develop a strategy for correcting the problem. Do not wait until you feel overwhelmed to seek assistance.

9. Know that you are not alone. There is a network of support here for you (and your parents). This network includes fellow students, as well as teachers and administrators. We have a full-time counselor who can provide assistance and advice to students, as well as a skills specialist to help with academic support. Do not hesitate to approach the school counselor if you have concerns for yourself or your peers.

10. Don’t worry—everything becomes familiar fairly quickly here at MVS. Enjoy the newness of joining the upper school community. We all bring our individual talents to this culture of thinkers, learners, and citizens. We are excited that you have joined us here in the Upper School at MVS!

On behalf of the students and faculty members, we look forward to formally welcoming you to the Upper School in the months to come.

With sincere regards,


Samuel Wagner, V
Head of Upper School

Mid-April Details & Reminders

Friday, 9 April 2010

Greetings Upper School Parents (present and future!):

I hope the start of April finds you well, having made the smooth transition from Immersion, to a refreshing break, and now to the return of academic mode at MVS. Here are a couple reminders of up-coming events and activities as we all prepare for the quick pace of Spring Trimester:

As mentioned, with the hope of alleviating traffic and maintaining positive neighborhood relations, upper school Morning Announcements now begins at 8:05AM. Attendance this week has been remarkable, accompanied by a reduction of traffic in the parking lot; we appreciate your assistance with this matter.

Tomorrow, Saturday 10 April, the MVS Amnesty International chapter is hosting a showcase of student performances titled, Instant Karma from 7-9:00PM in the Truslow Upper School Commons. The event draws its name and inspiration from the compilation CD, including John Lennon’s classic song, the proceeds from which benefit international human rights causes, specifically the campaign to save Darfur. For a $3.00 admission fee, come enjoy the music and help make the world a better place.

This Wednesday, 14 April is Immersion Open House, from 7-8:30PM in the Lane Gymnasium. Students need to complete all set-up preparations for Open House presentations by 6:30PM, in anticipation of a robust crowd, including lower school students and families, with Passports to Immersion in hand. Please feel free to bring and invite neighbors, friends, and relatives to attend this signature MVS event, celebrating the student accomplishments and experiences from Immersion 2010.

Next Friday, 16 April is Bump-up Day, allowing current students in our 8th grade to sample academic life in the Upper School. After joining upper school Morning Announcements, 8th grade students will follow a modified schedule of the academic day, concluding with an initial meeting with upper school Advisory Groups. We look forward to welcoming MVS’ Class of 2014 into the Upper School!

The second annual Pansophic Festival, celebrating examples of excellent writing and research in the humanities will occur Sunday, 18 April from 2-5:PM in the Middle School Commons.

The following Friday, 23 April is Upper School Course Scheduling Day for grades 8-11. Details for this event will soon follow, including contact from your child’s Academic Advisor to arrange for a convenient conference time.

We have had a bevy of student visitors shadowing students in the Upper School. If your daughter or son has a friend interested in learning more about MVS, including visiting and experiencing classes, please have them contact our Admissions Office to arrange for a school visit.

With the magnificent weather outside and the burgeoning of Spring in all its grandeur, I look forward to seeing you at an MVS athletic event soon.
With sincere regards,

Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School