Friday, 25 June 2010
Greetings Upper School Parents:
With the arrival of actual summer weather, I imagine I am not the only parent searching for summer attire for my kids, hoping these wardrobe selections will last through autumn. That said, I thought it a good idea to send a reminder about dress code, considering it was such a “hot” topic in the spring (pun intended). As a quick guide: ripped clothing is not permitted; shorts and skirts must be longer than the extended fingers of a student’s hands at their sides; and shirts should cover a student’s shoulders and not be overly revealing. Additionally, sports apparel, particularly “gym-style shorts,” is better suited for athletic venues than for classrooms. I appreciate your assistance (and good humor) in guiding our students to be mindful of appearance, especially in anticipation of warm weather at the start of school in August.
A couple of questions have arisen from the revised athletic and participation policy. By way of quick re-cap, here are some points of clarification:
• The revised policy applies only to students in incoming grades 9 and 10.
• Athletic participation is required for a total of 2 seasons of MVS team sports, though these credits should be completed by the end of sophomore year.
• Summer PE credit can still be accepted (according to ODE law) through approved summer school PE programs. Check with Ken Laake if you have specific questions.
• Ken Laake and I are exploring options for after-school PE programs and future summer school PE offerings here at MVS.
• The full text of the revised athletic and participation policy is available on the upper school homepage of the MVS web.
Summer is an opportune time to explore and complete community service hours. The larger goals of community service/service learning relates directly to supporting the MVS mission in developing compassionate global citizens. As a general rule, community service should: be without pay; benefit an organization outside of a student’s customary and familiar contacts (including outside of one’s faith community); assist a disadvantaged group or a needy community effort; and ideally establish a long-term relationship between student and organization. We will discuss the larger goals and related details during Advisory Groups in the fall, when students will turn-in community service hours completed over the summer. In the meantime, continue to send any questions to me.
The list of required and recommended summer reading is available on the upper school homepage of the MVS website, for your perusal.
I am working closely with Jon Graetz to construct the 2010-11 upper school master schedule. We anticipate completing it soon after the 4 July weekend. I will send you a confirmation e.mail when student schedules are available via MyBackpack, inviting you to begin purchasing books via our on-line bookseller, MBS Direct.
Nicholas Studios has now posted on their website photos from the 2010 Graduation Ceremony, available for order; enjoy!
I hope late-June finds you well-rested, healthy, and cool. Best wishes towards a safe and refreshing continuation of your summer.
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Friday, June 25, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
End of Sping Term, End of Year, Start of Summer
Monday, 14 June 2010
Greetings Upper School Parents:
I hope these first couple days of summer break finds you rested and well. Following end-of-year faculty meetings and scheduling sessions with students new to MVS, it is has been a productive week here at MVS. This e.mail serves as the official acknowledgement that grades and comments for the Spring Trimester, as well as final grades for the 2009-2010 academic year, are now available via My Backpack on the MVS web.
Here at MVS, we have already begun the transition into summer mode: cleaning classrooms and hallways, preparing for summer camps, while also starting some larger summer renovation projects. Among the most exciting this year are plans for a new roof on the upper school and an extensive renovation of the Upper School Library. Stay tuned for progress reports.
As way of reminder, summer provides an opportune time for completing outside service learning/community service hours. There will be a revision to the structure of this graduation requirement, effective next fall; however, summer remains a highly recommended time to work towards maintaining community service contacts and completing outside service hours.
Descriptions and schedules for MVS 2010 summer camp offerings are available on the MVS web, including Mr. Dunnigan’s “College Application Fun Land” (formerly known as College Boot Camp). There are also a number of academic refresher courses, as part of August Review.
Coming mid-September, I am excited to announce that MVS will host a student delegation from our sister school in South America, The Thomas Jefferson School in Concepcion, Chile. We are seeking MVS families to serve as hosts for our 10 Chilean visitors, ranging in ages from 14-16, for the two weeks that they are in the Dayton area. If you have interest, please send me an e.mail and I’ll be happy to discuss additional details. Thank you for your help with this important connection, affirming MVS’ commitment to supporting global citizenship.
Some have asked for a copy of my 2010 Graduation poem, delivered as an ode to the Seniors at the Victoria Theatre last Saturday. A printable version is available on my MVS Blog along with the archives of all letters and e.mails sent from the upper school office this year.
Best wishes towards a relaxing and productive summer.
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Greetings Upper School Parents:
I hope these first couple days of summer break finds you rested and well. Following end-of-year faculty meetings and scheduling sessions with students new to MVS, it is has been a productive week here at MVS. This e.mail serves as the official acknowledgement that grades and comments for the Spring Trimester, as well as final grades for the 2009-2010 academic year, are now available via My Backpack on the MVS web.
Here at MVS, we have already begun the transition into summer mode: cleaning classrooms and hallways, preparing for summer camps, while also starting some larger summer renovation projects. Among the most exciting this year are plans for a new roof on the upper school and an extensive renovation of the Upper School Library. Stay tuned for progress reports.
As way of reminder, summer provides an opportune time for completing outside service learning/community service hours. There will be a revision to the structure of this graduation requirement, effective next fall; however, summer remains a highly recommended time to work towards maintaining community service contacts and completing outside service hours.
Descriptions and schedules for MVS 2010 summer camp offerings are available on the MVS web, including Mr. Dunnigan’s “College Application Fun Land” (formerly known as College Boot Camp). There are also a number of academic refresher courses, as part of August Review.
Coming mid-September, I am excited to announce that MVS will host a student delegation from our sister school in South America, The Thomas Jefferson School in Concepcion, Chile. We are seeking MVS families to serve as hosts for our 10 Chilean visitors, ranging in ages from 14-16, for the two weeks that they are in the Dayton area. If you have interest, please send me an e.mail and I’ll be happy to discuss additional details. Thank you for your help with this important connection, affirming MVS’ commitment to supporting global citizenship.
Some have asked for a copy of my 2010 Graduation poem, delivered as an ode to the Seniors at the Victoria Theatre last Saturday. A printable version is available on my MVS Blog along with the archives of all letters and e.mails sent from the upper school office this year.
Best wishes towards a relaxing and productive summer.
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Revised Athletic Participation & Eligibility Policies
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Greetings Upper School Community:
As we continue with end-of-year celebrations for the 2010 academic year, I wanted to share some policy adjustments for the coming 2011 academic year, to which I have alluded in previous letters.
Taking into consideration the revised guidelines of the Ohio Department of Education, beginning next fall, all rising Freshmen and Sophomores will be required to participate in two seasons of involvement in the MVS athletic program. Physical education credit will no longer be granted for activities outside of MVS sports. Our non-cut policy, focus on good-sportsmanship and life-long fitness, and welcoming reputation for all of our sports have always encouraged students to join MVS teams, even with little previous experience. While programs at the varsity level will continue to focus on pursuing winning records by fielding competitive squads, encouraging student involvement at all levels contributes to the larger goals of supporting an active, healthy, and well-connected school community.
The upper school has always taken pride in the abundant opportunities for student involvement in the life of the school, ranging from athletics, the performing arts, clubs and organizations, and student government, to name a few. Upper school students traditionally participate in a wide variety of activities, contributing to the positive spirit of school community, strengthening the inter-connectedness across grade levels and between peer groups. Active extra-curricular involvement provides valuable lessons in time management, balance of interests, and expanding peer relationships, particularly for students new to the upper school. We are confident that requiring two seasons of athletic participation in MVS sports by the end of sophomore year, will strengthen these ties in the upper school.
Additionally, working closely with Ken Laake (Athletic Director) and our coaching staff, we have tested this year a more rigorous athletic eligibility policy. The new policy takes into consideration MVS’ primary focus on academics while balancing the important role of athletics, providing increased oversight and support to our student athletes. MVS has long believed that the OHSAA regulations (achieving passing grades in a minimum of 5 classes) have not appropriately reinforced the high academic standards that we promote at MVS.
The revised eligibility policy, which we have tested since the winter trimester, includes the following enhancements: students must achieve a minimum of a cumulative 2.0 GPA during the previous marking period, including no failures in any classes. During a current academic term and athletic season, if a student’s school work declines, according to mid-terms or from concerns raised by a teacher, parent, or advisor, that student will be placed on Academic Watch, requiring weekly up-dates from each class to provide a more attentive perspective of a student’s status.
Each Friday this winter and spring, Ken Laake and I have reviewed the weekly status reports, conferring to determine the extent of student athletes’ involvement for the following week’s athletic participation, sharing our decision directly with the student athlete, their parents, and the appropriate coach. The gradual implementation of the improved eligibility policy this year has provided ample evidence of greater academic responsibility in balancing the role of athletic involvement; teachers, coaches, and parents have been involved with individual decisions, leading to increased collective support of our student athletes. Having used two seasons to refine this policy, we will formally implement these changes beginning in August of the 2010-11 academic year.
As always, I welcome your feedback regarding these policy changes as we strive to provide greater support to students at MVS, in this case relating to encouraging involvement in athletics and providing increased support to student athletes.
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Greetings Upper School Community:
As we continue with end-of-year celebrations for the 2010 academic year, I wanted to share some policy adjustments for the coming 2011 academic year, to which I have alluded in previous letters.
Taking into consideration the revised guidelines of the Ohio Department of Education, beginning next fall, all rising Freshmen and Sophomores will be required to participate in two seasons of involvement in the MVS athletic program. Physical education credit will no longer be granted for activities outside of MVS sports. Our non-cut policy, focus on good-sportsmanship and life-long fitness, and welcoming reputation for all of our sports have always encouraged students to join MVS teams, even with little previous experience. While programs at the varsity level will continue to focus on pursuing winning records by fielding competitive squads, encouraging student involvement at all levels contributes to the larger goals of supporting an active, healthy, and well-connected school community.
The upper school has always taken pride in the abundant opportunities for student involvement in the life of the school, ranging from athletics, the performing arts, clubs and organizations, and student government, to name a few. Upper school students traditionally participate in a wide variety of activities, contributing to the positive spirit of school community, strengthening the inter-connectedness across grade levels and between peer groups. Active extra-curricular involvement provides valuable lessons in time management, balance of interests, and expanding peer relationships, particularly for students new to the upper school. We are confident that requiring two seasons of athletic participation in MVS sports by the end of sophomore year, will strengthen these ties in the upper school.
Additionally, working closely with Ken Laake (Athletic Director) and our coaching staff, we have tested this year a more rigorous athletic eligibility policy. The new policy takes into consideration MVS’ primary focus on academics while balancing the important role of athletics, providing increased oversight and support to our student athletes. MVS has long believed that the OHSAA regulations (achieving passing grades in a minimum of 5 classes) have not appropriately reinforced the high academic standards that we promote at MVS.
The revised eligibility policy, which we have tested since the winter trimester, includes the following enhancements: students must achieve a minimum of a cumulative 2.0 GPA during the previous marking period, including no failures in any classes. During a current academic term and athletic season, if a student’s school work declines, according to mid-terms or from concerns raised by a teacher, parent, or advisor, that student will be placed on Academic Watch, requiring weekly up-dates from each class to provide a more attentive perspective of a student’s status.
Each Friday this winter and spring, Ken Laake and I have reviewed the weekly status reports, conferring to determine the extent of student athletes’ involvement for the following week’s athletic participation, sharing our decision directly with the student athlete, their parents, and the appropriate coach. The gradual implementation of the improved eligibility policy this year has provided ample evidence of greater academic responsibility in balancing the role of athletic involvement; teachers, coaches, and parents have been involved with individual decisions, leading to increased collective support of our student athletes. Having used two seasons to refine this policy, we will formally implement these changes beginning in August of the 2010-11 academic year.
As always, I welcome your feedback regarding these policy changes as we strive to provide greater support to students at MVS, in this case relating to encouraging involvement in athletics and providing increased support to student athletes.
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Wagner's Graduation Ode to MVS Class of 2010
A Poetic Tribute to The MVS Class of 2010
Graduation Exercises: 3:00PM, 6 June - Victoria Theater
Greetings scholars, parents, faculty and friends
To Graduation Exercises, celebrating beginnings and ends.
In Dayton’s regal Victoria, for this anticipated event
My sincerest of welcomes, I am thrilled to present.
This Class of 2010, stylishly seated on stage
Hearty, personable; thirty-seven strong.
Your patient reprieve, I humbly request
As I depict traits and to whom they belong.
For the next hour or so, the outside world, let’s forget:
Bank collapses, “Lost” being found, & BP Crude Oil.
We’ll muse-over instead, Seniors’ futures ahead
Functioning as our blissful foil.
Their horizon is bound-less; expanding distant beyond;
Awaiting future responses, when as Alums, they’ll respond.
Countless prospects, defying mere expectation
Contemplating them now, brings us certain elation.
Your teachers, MVS faculty, here seated before you,
Dressed, like you, in academic attire.
At three-hours past the hour-of-Noon
Are so proud of the goals to which you aspire.
Look further in the seats. Find your family’s eyes,
Reflecting emotions, spanning melancholy to delight.
Though sad in departure, the time has arrived
For you each to soar high as a kite.
Caution alerted; I'm merely a cobbler of words.
In sculpting rhyme, expect the occasional lags.
Honoring you Seniors, as the fondest of fans,
The intent of this poem, crafted by “Wags.”
Thus, with collected resolve, I modestly begin.
On this celebrated sixth-day of June
As I attempt to describe, those seated behind
Representing their traits, lyrically festooned.
Beginning with “B”s, our first is JAKE BROWN;
On athletic fields, he leaves rivals in dazed comas.
He’s well-known for his scraggly-faced beard.
Soon his father, will present awaited diplomas.
BURDICK has preference for preppy attire,
By his peers, is regarded as quite jolly.
DESTINY, her future in clear-sight,
At UD, might play on courts basket and volley.
BAHAR displays obvious panache
Pursuing M.D. with never a stammer.
JULIAN shows his purposeful planning
If not Tech-guru, he’ll become true Captain Hammer.
ELAINA’s fleet-footed skill sprin-ting ‘round the track;
Causes competitors to shake heads in mystery.
SOPHIA always smiling, most pleasant in greeting
So very proud of her Grecian history.
SARAH & EMILY disprove clichés about twins.
Far and wide, these two independently have roamed.
Now heading-off to Universities starting with “D”
Many have wished they could be cloned.
Following twin sisters, we have a pair of Tylers:
MVS productions, EDWARDS commands light & sound.
FEARN, his characteristic mop of full-hair,
Future success by both soon will be found.
MAGGIE & SAM, during Immersion explored
Ancient Anatolia; as historians, went nearly berserk!
Savoring pottery shards & chatting in local phrase,
Showed respect to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
JENEE & PK, joined MVS in eleventh grade,
Quickly adapted, bringing their polish and gloss.
Actively involved in studio art & in sports,
On same field, they play soccer and lacrosse.
LAUREN with distinct creative style,
Through various mediums, she finds cohesion relative.
REBECCA while in Turkey, worried we were
That she might choose to “go-native.”
ROHAN, honored eldest sibling to twins,
Pursuing medicine; he is quite clear.
MARTIN, with impressively-full side burns,
Likely goal as future Engineer.
TIM & MACY, grow from proud MVS roots.
Hearty legacies they both will extend.
TIM, youngest of three Miller brothers
MACY’s design-eye, from her mother, descends.
SAYNA explores interest in psychology,
Elder sister to the sprite-like Asheev.
KINNARI countless discussions we’ve shared,
MVS Spirit award, she truly achieved.
KAT (paired with Kinn) leads Stu Gov with poise,
Skill on ice, causes audiences to look.
OLIVIA’s eye for artistic design
Adorns the cover of this year’s Thank You Book.
TAYLOR P. at home behind camera lens,
Sojourned abroad to immerse in culture Español.
CHRISTINA to England, becoming a Barrister.
They both join sisters in MVS alum-roles.
HAL-DAVID, skilled blender of song & image,
He produced our slideshow, worthy of bronze.
RAYCHEL, famed swimmer & journalist,
In Baltimore, she’ll shine at Hopkins, of Johns.
ERIKA, having mastered near every sport,
At Penn Relays, she took-up the race-walk.
TEREK, with goatee, he appears near middle-aged.
Proud he is of his Lebanese stock.
TAYLOR S. has gained prominent regard
As un-rivaled maven of topics automotive.
PHOEBE has innate passion for shopping;
A love of coffee, is also her votive.
KEVIN, good-natured & at-ease in outlook
Shares last name with a brook fish.
DANNY follows success in Model UN,
Looks now to medicine as his obvious wish.
Our final two Seniors, the most recent additions,
ANNE is heading to acclaimed University of “D.”
HANHAN from China, was welcomed this year
Her last name aptly begins with letter “Z.”
If my count be correct, that makes 37 in all;
Though small in number, they are in personality: LARGE!
My emotion aside, much confidence I derive
Imagining the world, that they will take charge.
So impressive you look, seated here on stage
Suspended in time, between high school & college.
Recalling back, while proceeding ahead
Sure to gain abundant future knowledge.
Nearly giddy am I, tears welling inside
Honoring you on this most glorious Sunday.
Be it as Teacher, Principal, or faithful true-fan
Sadness of your departure, I wish to delay.
In closing my verse, rhyme-scheme often perverse,
My poetics might be describes as, well, “janky.”
Imagining the void, of your departing with poise
Causes us all to reach for our hanky.
So join with me now, parents, teachers, family & friends
While celebrated, this chapter’s end soon we will reach.
Yet another page opens, new dreams yet to flourish
Clear possibilities, with lessons to teach.
The admiration from your audience, those seated before you,
Planning celebrations long into June.
Some final words, to recall this festive day,
God’s Speed, Be safe, And visit soon!
Thank you.
Samuel Wagner, V
Head of Upper School
Sunday, 6 June, 2010
Graduation Exercises: 3:00PM, 6 June - Victoria Theater
Greetings scholars, parents, faculty and friends
To Graduation Exercises, celebrating beginnings and ends.
In Dayton’s regal Victoria, for this anticipated event
My sincerest of welcomes, I am thrilled to present.
This Class of 2010, stylishly seated on stage
Hearty, personable; thirty-seven strong.
Your patient reprieve, I humbly request
As I depict traits and to whom they belong.
For the next hour or so, the outside world, let’s forget:
Bank collapses, “Lost” being found, & BP Crude Oil.
We’ll muse-over instead, Seniors’ futures ahead
Functioning as our blissful foil.
Their horizon is bound-less; expanding distant beyond;
Awaiting future responses, when as Alums, they’ll respond.
Countless prospects, defying mere expectation
Contemplating them now, brings us certain elation.
Your teachers, MVS faculty, here seated before you,
Dressed, like you, in academic attire.
At three-hours past the hour-of-Noon
Are so proud of the goals to which you aspire.
Look further in the seats. Find your family’s eyes,
Reflecting emotions, spanning melancholy to delight.
Though sad in departure, the time has arrived
For you each to soar high as a kite.
Caution alerted; I'm merely a cobbler of words.
In sculpting rhyme, expect the occasional lags.
Honoring you Seniors, as the fondest of fans,
The intent of this poem, crafted by “Wags.”
Thus, with collected resolve, I modestly begin.
On this celebrated sixth-day of June
As I attempt to describe, those seated behind
Representing their traits, lyrically festooned.
Beginning with “B”s, our first is JAKE BROWN;
On athletic fields, he leaves rivals in dazed comas.
He’s well-known for his scraggly-faced beard.
Soon his father, will present awaited diplomas.
BURDICK has preference for preppy attire,
By his peers, is regarded as quite jolly.
DESTINY, her future in clear-sight,
At UD, might play on courts basket and volley.
BAHAR displays obvious panache
Pursuing M.D. with never a stammer.
JULIAN shows his purposeful planning
If not Tech-guru, he’ll become true Captain Hammer.
ELAINA’s fleet-footed skill sprin-ting ‘round the track;
Causes competitors to shake heads in mystery.
SOPHIA always smiling, most pleasant in greeting
So very proud of her Grecian history.
SARAH & EMILY disprove clichés about twins.
Far and wide, these two independently have roamed.
Now heading-off to Universities starting with “D”
Many have wished they could be cloned.
Following twin sisters, we have a pair of Tylers:
MVS productions, EDWARDS commands light & sound.
FEARN, his characteristic mop of full-hair,
Future success by both soon will be found.
MAGGIE & SAM, during Immersion explored
Ancient Anatolia; as historians, went nearly berserk!
Savoring pottery shards & chatting in local phrase,
Showed respect to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
JENEE & PK, joined MVS in eleventh grade,
Quickly adapted, bringing their polish and gloss.
Actively involved in studio art & in sports,
On same field, they play soccer and lacrosse.
LAUREN with distinct creative style,
Through various mediums, she finds cohesion relative.
REBECCA while in Turkey, worried we were
That she might choose to “go-native.”
ROHAN, honored eldest sibling to twins,
Pursuing medicine; he is quite clear.
MARTIN, with impressively-full side burns,
Likely goal as future Engineer.
TIM & MACY, grow from proud MVS roots.
Hearty legacies they both will extend.
TIM, youngest of three Miller brothers
MACY’s design-eye, from her mother, descends.
SAYNA explores interest in psychology,
Elder sister to the sprite-like Asheev.
KINNARI countless discussions we’ve shared,
MVS Spirit award, she truly achieved.
KAT (paired with Kinn) leads Stu Gov with poise,
Skill on ice, causes audiences to look.
OLIVIA’s eye for artistic design
Adorns the cover of this year’s Thank You Book.
TAYLOR P. at home behind camera lens,
Sojourned abroad to immerse in culture Español.
CHRISTINA to England, becoming a Barrister.
They both join sisters in MVS alum-roles.
HAL-DAVID, skilled blender of song & image,
He produced our slideshow, worthy of bronze.
RAYCHEL, famed swimmer & journalist,
In Baltimore, she’ll shine at Hopkins, of Johns.
ERIKA, having mastered near every sport,
At Penn Relays, she took-up the race-walk.
TEREK, with goatee, he appears near middle-aged.
Proud he is of his Lebanese stock.
TAYLOR S. has gained prominent regard
As un-rivaled maven of topics automotive.
PHOEBE has innate passion for shopping;
A love of coffee, is also her votive.
KEVIN, good-natured & at-ease in outlook
Shares last name with a brook fish.
DANNY follows success in Model UN,
Looks now to medicine as his obvious wish.
Our final two Seniors, the most recent additions,
ANNE is heading to acclaimed University of “D.”
HANHAN from China, was welcomed this year
Her last name aptly begins with letter “Z.”
If my count be correct, that makes 37 in all;
Though small in number, they are in personality: LARGE!
My emotion aside, much confidence I derive
Imagining the world, that they will take charge.
So impressive you look, seated here on stage
Suspended in time, between high school & college.
Recalling back, while proceeding ahead
Sure to gain abundant future knowledge.
Nearly giddy am I, tears welling inside
Honoring you on this most glorious Sunday.
Be it as Teacher, Principal, or faithful true-fan
Sadness of your departure, I wish to delay.
In closing my verse, rhyme-scheme often perverse,
My poetics might be describes as, well, “janky.”
Imagining the void, of your departing with poise
Causes us all to reach for our hanky.
So join with me now, parents, teachers, family & friends
While celebrated, this chapter’s end soon we will reach.
Yet another page opens, new dreams yet to flourish
Clear possibilities, with lessons to teach.
The admiration from your audience, those seated before you,
Planning celebrations long into June.
Some final words, to recall this festive day,
God’s Speed, Be safe, And visit soon!
Thank you.
Samuel Wagner, V
Head of Upper School
Sunday, 6 June, 2010
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