Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Greetings Upper School Parents:
With the approach of Homecoming events at MVS, including a Saturday “chock-full” of athletic matches, the Run for the Rams, and various alumni gatherings, followed (of course!) by the homecoming dance, I thought it a good idea to send a quick (though in depth) e.mail with some accustomed details and reminders.
As we draw near to what is sure to be a successful MVS Homecoming Weekend, including the dance on Saturday evening, I want to communicate clearly and directly to you our expectations for student conduct at such school functions. The dance will be held on Saturday, 2 October at the Miami Valley Hunt & Polo Club (roughly 5-minutes from MVS), lasting from 8:00-11PM. Soda, water, and snacks will be provided at the dance. Tickets cost $20 each and can be purchased in the Upper School Commons at MVS, through Friday; tickets cannot be purchased “at the door” on Saturday night.
As a growing tradition at MVS, Homecoming has become a popular autumn event; I anticipate this year’s functions, under the careful planning of the 2011 Student Government, will be both enjoyable and successful. However, as is the case in virtually all school cultures, school dances and similar evening events also raise potential anxieties regarding student behavior, including those relating to underage drinking and substance abuses, and other at-risk behaviors. Obviously, we are all concerned about student safety, especially since students will be traveling from various distances in order to attend the homecoming dance. Throughout the year, but particularly during homecoming and prom seasons, the sad but all too common incidents that are captured in the local and national media reinforce the fragility of human life and the dangers associated with teen driving and at-risk behaviors. Such events can be devastating to any community.
If your daughter or son is planning to attend the homecoming dance (which we hope is the case!), I strongly encourage you to have honest and direct discussions with your child (as well as with his or her date and other friends) about the important topics of safety and responsible decision making, carefully reviewing their plans, your expectations, and communicating directly with other parents regarding any questions of supervision that might arise. As a school, MVS will not tolerate any student drinking or substance abuse before or during the homecoming dance; we will be vigilant in our monitoring of student conduct. If students feel compelled to engage in such at-risk activities, they should simply avoid attending school functions entirely. Any student, whom chaperones suspect to be under the influence, will be sent home from the event; we will phone you, as the parent, to come pick them up from the dance. Believe me, this is a potentially awkward and very serious situation that no one wants to participate in.
Chaperones (me included), who agree to work for the benefit of students in supporting school events (without whom, there simply would be no homecoming dance), will use their best judgment in assessing student conduct; however, these decisions will be at the sole discretion of faculty chaperones and me. I encourage you to be very candid with your daughter or son in your conversations surrounding alcohol or potential at-risk behavior, as well as with the parents of your child’s friends, should you have any concerns regarding student gatherings, before or after the homecoming dance. Obviously, any violation of the alcohol and drug policy at or around an MVS event may result in serious consequences, up to and including suspension or expulsion. My hope is that through active discussion, transcending home and school, such matters can be avoided entirely, thus allowing everyone at the dance to enjoy the event as it is intended.
In the interests of ensuring student safety, students will not be allowed to leave from the homecoming dance before its conclusion (11:PM) without first contacting you directly. All students are to arrive at the dance by 9:30PM. If any student arrives late to, or asks to leave early from the dance, we will have him or her first phone you directly. Students will not be permitted to re-enter the dance after they have departed. Students are expected to cooperate fully with chaperones and staff members at the dance; attendance at the homecoming dance is a privilege, not a right. We look forward to enjoying these activities with the students; however, in the interest of student safety, we will be vigilant in monitoring student conduct.
A great deal of work has gone into planning for Homecoming Weekend, on the part of students, parents, faculty members, and administrators. We will do our very best to create an environment that will be safe and enjoyable for everyone; I am confident the students will have a great time! Again, as partners in the essential support of MVS students, please encourage your child (and her or his peers) to use sound judgment in ensuring that Homecoming is a wonderful, enjoyable, and safe night for all involved. Should you have any specific questions regarding the details of homecoming dance, feel free to contact Bryan Lakatos (advisor to the Student Government) or me.
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Spirit Week & Home Coming Events
Friday, 24 September 2010
Greetings Upper School Parents:
What a glorious day for part-two of Freshman Orientation! Led by Deb Spiegel (Freshman Dean), the Class of 2014 was accompanied by a robust group of Seniors and faculty chaperones. Christie Kemper (School Counselor) led them through an interactive group dynamics exercise, after which everyone took to the river for a pleasant afternoon paddle. Although some canoers returned “more soggy” than others, the spirits of the entire group was outstanding when they returned to campus.
The welcomed return of Katrina Kittle, our forth visiting author as part of the Upper School Shared Summer Read, made for a fabulous day on Thursday! Friday evening’s parent event with the author, sponsored by the MVS Parents Association, was well attended by both MVS and outside fans of Ms. Kittle. Great appreciation goes to Susan Strong for her organization and attention to details in guiding the MVS Visiting Authors Series.
A reminder that Monday, 27 September at 7:PM is the College Admissions: An Insider’s View seminar, presented by Emory University. Intended for parents and Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors, this informative seminar will present topics associated with the admission review processes at competitive admission colleges. In addition to fielding questions from the audience, the seminar will include the opportunity to review actual applications to Emory, followed by discussion of why student applicants were admitted or denied admission. For questions and to RSVP for this event, please contact Colin Dunnigan (Director of College Counseling).
Next week brings Spirit Week activities, supported by Student Government, leading up to a bevy of Homecoming events next weekend. We will have “theme” dress-up-days in the Upper School to further ignite MVS school spirit, with the daily theme descriptions as follows:
Monday – “Comfy Day” (“relaxed attire,” including sweats, pajamas, etc)
Tuesday – “Salad Dressing Day” (French, Italian, thousand islands, etc apparel)
Wednesday – “Twin Day” (dress up to match a friend)
Thursday – “Jers-day” (wear your favorite sports team attire)
Friday – “Red & Blue Day” (show-off your MVS pride!)
Thursday, the Diversity Council has planned an upper school talent showcase, during an extended lunch period in the US Commons. Acts range from singing and dancing to the quirky and unusual.
Friday concludes with the all-school pep rally at 2:15PM in the Lane Gym, including the parade of athletes, Jazz Bands, and Marti the Ram!
Friday evening at 7:PM is A Night of Duke Ellington, showcasing the musical talents of our Upper and Middle School Jazz Bands. Please join us in the Truslow Upper School Commons for a night of cool jazz stylings, directed by Ross Williams (Director of Music).
Description and registration details of the full array of Homecoming events, including registration for Run for the Rams (free of charge, simply register on-line), can be found on the Homecoming tab on the MVS website.
Saturday evening is the Upper School Homecoming Dance, from 8-11:PM at the Hunt and Polo Club, sponsored by the Student Government. The Homecoming Dance is open to all students in the Upper School; tickets will be on sale next week for $20 per person; tickets will not be available for purchase at the door the night of the event. As with most MVS dances, the majority of students attend in groups or individually, rather than formally “asking dates.” My accustomed “Homecoming dance expectations letter” will be sent to you mid-week, encouraging parents to openly discuss any questions or concerns with your children (and their friends, as well as parents of friends) in the hopes of keeping all of our students safe.
I continue to post all letters and reminders regarding activities and initiatives in the Upper School on Wagner’s MVS Blog http://wagnersmvsblog.blogspot.com/. In the interest of encouraging active communication, I hope you will follow along and add your comments, questions, and suggestions.
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Greetings Upper School Parents:
What a glorious day for part-two of Freshman Orientation! Led by Deb Spiegel (Freshman Dean), the Class of 2014 was accompanied by a robust group of Seniors and faculty chaperones. Christie Kemper (School Counselor) led them through an interactive group dynamics exercise, after which everyone took to the river for a pleasant afternoon paddle. Although some canoers returned “more soggy” than others, the spirits of the entire group was outstanding when they returned to campus.
The welcomed return of Katrina Kittle, our forth visiting author as part of the Upper School Shared Summer Read, made for a fabulous day on Thursday! Friday evening’s parent event with the author, sponsored by the MVS Parents Association, was well attended by both MVS and outside fans of Ms. Kittle. Great appreciation goes to Susan Strong for her organization and attention to details in guiding the MVS Visiting Authors Series.
A reminder that Monday, 27 September at 7:PM is the College Admissions: An Insider’s View seminar, presented by Emory University. Intended for parents and Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors, this informative seminar will present topics associated with the admission review processes at competitive admission colleges. In addition to fielding questions from the audience, the seminar will include the opportunity to review actual applications to Emory, followed by discussion of why student applicants were admitted or denied admission. For questions and to RSVP for this event, please contact Colin Dunnigan (Director of College Counseling).
Next week brings Spirit Week activities, supported by Student Government, leading up to a bevy of Homecoming events next weekend. We will have “theme” dress-up-days in the Upper School to further ignite MVS school spirit, with the daily theme descriptions as follows:
Monday – “Comfy Day” (“relaxed attire,” including sweats, pajamas, etc)
Tuesday – “Salad Dressing Day” (French, Italian, thousand islands, etc apparel)
Wednesday – “Twin Day” (dress up to match a friend)
Thursday – “Jers-day” (wear your favorite sports team attire)
Friday – “Red & Blue Day” (show-off your MVS pride!)
Thursday, the Diversity Council has planned an upper school talent showcase, during an extended lunch period in the US Commons. Acts range from singing and dancing to the quirky and unusual.
Friday concludes with the all-school pep rally at 2:15PM in the Lane Gym, including the parade of athletes, Jazz Bands, and Marti the Ram!
Friday evening at 7:PM is A Night of Duke Ellington, showcasing the musical talents of our Upper and Middle School Jazz Bands. Please join us in the Truslow Upper School Commons for a night of cool jazz stylings, directed by Ross Williams (Director of Music).
Description and registration details of the full array of Homecoming events, including registration for Run for the Rams (free of charge, simply register on-line), can be found on the Homecoming tab on the MVS website.
Saturday evening is the Upper School Homecoming Dance, from 8-11:PM at the Hunt and Polo Club, sponsored by the Student Government. The Homecoming Dance is open to all students in the Upper School; tickets will be on sale next week for $20 per person; tickets will not be available for purchase at the door the night of the event. As with most MVS dances, the majority of students attend in groups or individually, rather than formally “asking dates.” My accustomed “Homecoming dance expectations letter” will be sent to you mid-week, encouraging parents to openly discuss any questions or concerns with your children (and their friends, as well as parents of friends) in the hopes of keeping all of our students safe.
I continue to post all letters and reminders regarding activities and initiatives in the Upper School on Wagner’s MVS Blog http://wagnersmvsblog.blogspot.com/. In the interest of encouraging active communication, I hope you will follow along and add your comments, questions, and suggestions.
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Post-PIN, Visiting Authors, and Mid-Terms
Friday, 17 September 2010
Greetings Upper School Parents:
It was fantabulous (a word I do not use lightly) to see so many parents attending upper school PIN on Wednesday. The evening had a very positive feel and had good flow between classes; it was a pleasure to greet and speak with folks in the hallways, confirming our solid beginning to this academic year.
The Chilean flag, now flying as you enter campus, indicates the safe arrival of our 11 Chilean exchange students from the Thomas Jefferson School in Concepcion. They were greeted at the airport by a jubilant group of MVS students and parents, and then welcomed by their MVS host families upon returning to campus. Of special note, Saturday, 18 September marks the Bicentennial of Chilean Independence.
Beginning Monday, the Lange Library will have extended study hours, from 3:30 - 6:00PM. This service is free of charge to students in the upper school. After 4:00PM, all students not involved in an organized MVS activity (supervised athletic practice, drama rehearsal, extra-curricular activity, etc.) are required to sign-in at the library for quiet study. Students must be picked up from campus by 6:00PM. I am pleased to welcome Stephanie Brown as our new afternoon library proctor.
Mark Kurlansky, best selling author and 2007 nonfiction winner of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, will be on campus this Monday, speaking with our Global Realities class.
The Independent School Health and Wellness Survey will be conducted to all students in the upper school on Wednesday, 22 September. As mentioned during PIN, this survey reflects an important initiative in supporting the over-all wellness of students in the Upper School. The results of the survey (which are anonymous and confidential) will provide valuable guidance to our student counseling and support programs, as well as to future parent education offerings. Christie Kemper (School Counselor) sent a letter home last week; if you have any further questions, feel free to contact her or me.
On Thursday, 23 September renowned author and former MVS teacher Katrina Kittle will be on campus as part of the MVS Visiting Author Series. Ms. Kittle will speak with and take questions from upper school students faculty members during 1st period in the Truslow Commons. Ms. Kittle will then visit English classes throughout the day. Please check the MVS website for an invitation to a parent event with author on Friday evening.
Because Anne Griffith is taking a short leave of absence, I am honored to welcome Joni Jackson-Martin as our extended-term substitute. After a 10-year career in research and development with Proctor and Gamble, Ms. Jackson-Martin is currently completing her Masters Degree in Education at the University of Dayton.
Friday, 24 September marks the mid-term of Fall Trimester. Teachers will compose comments and compute estimated grades and work habit/effort marks for all students. I anticipate having mid-terms “sent live” via MyBackpack in the afternoon of Monday, 5 October, and will send you an e.mail confirmation once they are available. Advisors will meet and discuss mid-terms with advisees on Thursday, 7 October.
With sincere regards,
Samuel Wagner, V
Head of Upper School
Greetings Upper School Parents:
It was fantabulous (a word I do not use lightly) to see so many parents attending upper school PIN on Wednesday. The evening had a very positive feel and had good flow between classes; it was a pleasure to greet and speak with folks in the hallways, confirming our solid beginning to this academic year.
The Chilean flag, now flying as you enter campus, indicates the safe arrival of our 11 Chilean exchange students from the Thomas Jefferson School in Concepcion. They were greeted at the airport by a jubilant group of MVS students and parents, and then welcomed by their MVS host families upon returning to campus. Of special note, Saturday, 18 September marks the Bicentennial of Chilean Independence.
Beginning Monday, the Lange Library will have extended study hours, from 3:30 - 6:00PM. This service is free of charge to students in the upper school. After 4:00PM, all students not involved in an organized MVS activity (supervised athletic practice, drama rehearsal, extra-curricular activity, etc.) are required to sign-in at the library for quiet study. Students must be picked up from campus by 6:00PM. I am pleased to welcome Stephanie Brown as our new afternoon library proctor.
Mark Kurlansky, best selling author and 2007 nonfiction winner of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, will be on campus this Monday, speaking with our Global Realities class.
The Independent School Health and Wellness Survey will be conducted to all students in the upper school on Wednesday, 22 September. As mentioned during PIN, this survey reflects an important initiative in supporting the over-all wellness of students in the Upper School. The results of the survey (which are anonymous and confidential) will provide valuable guidance to our student counseling and support programs, as well as to future parent education offerings. Christie Kemper (School Counselor) sent a letter home last week; if you have any further questions, feel free to contact her or me.
On Thursday, 23 September renowned author and former MVS teacher Katrina Kittle will be on campus as part of the MVS Visiting Author Series. Ms. Kittle will speak with and take questions from upper school students faculty members during 1st period in the Truslow Commons. Ms. Kittle will then visit English classes throughout the day. Please check the MVS website for an invitation to a parent event with author on Friday evening.
Because Anne Griffith is taking a short leave of absence, I am honored to welcome Joni Jackson-Martin as our extended-term substitute. After a 10-year career in research and development with Proctor and Gamble, Ms. Jackson-Martin is currently completing her Masters Degree in Education at the University of Dayton.
Friday, 24 September marks the mid-term of Fall Trimester. Teachers will compose comments and compute estimated grades and work habit/effort marks for all students. I anticipate having mid-terms “sent live” via MyBackpack in the afternoon of Monday, 5 October, and will send you an e.mail confirmation once they are available. Advisors will meet and discuss mid-terms with advisees on Thursday, 7 October.
With sincere regards,
Samuel Wagner, V
Head of Upper School
Monday, September 13, 2010
US PIN: Advisory Group Meeting Locations
Monday, 13 September 2010
Greetings Upper School Parents!
As promised, here is a quick e.mail confirming that US Parent Information Night (PIN) is scheduled for this Wednesday, 15 September. The evening begins promptly at 7:PM with advisory group meetings, in the following locations:
Upper School PIN:
Advisory Group Meeting Locations
MR. ASH Room 4
DR. BIRDI Room 22
MR. CAMM Room 6
MR. CZARNOTA Room 20
MR. DUNNIGAN Lange Library
MR. GRAETZ Room 2
MRS. GRIFFITH Room 23
MS. KEMPER Room 8
MR. LAMOTTE Room 12
MS. MOULTON Room 5
MR. MUNHOFEN & MRS. ZHANG Room 10
MR. ROMEO Room 11
MRS. SPARKS Room 3
MS. SPIEGEL Room 7
MR. SQUIERS Room 1
MR. WAGNER Room 9
MR. WILLIAMS US Music Room
MRS. ZHANG & MR. MUNHOFEN Room 10
Following Advisory meetings (where you will receive a copy of your child’s class schedule for PIN, a map of US classrooms, and a name tag), parents will then participate in an abridged version of your child’s academic schedule, each class meeting for 10 minutes, with a 5 minute passing time between. This schedule allows us to conclude US PIN at 9:PM, so bring a notepad for jotting down notes and wear comfortable shoes to keep on pace. Class changing times will be announced over the phone/intercom system. If you happen to arrive at MVS after 7:15PM, a copy of your child’s schedule should be available at the reception desk in the main hallway.
PIN is intended to provide the opportunity for parents to meet advisors and teachers, briefly experience academic classes, and put “some names to faces” in the interests of facilitating future contact and communication. Should you have a specific question regarding a class or relating to your child’s performance, please contact that teacher to arrange for a later appointment, when such matters can be addressed appropriately. The mid-term of the Fall Trimester is 24 September, with the goal of releasing comments, work habit/effort marks, and grades via MyBackpack on Monday, 4 October.
Since US PIN begins with individual advisory group meetings, representatives from the MVS Parents’ Association will be in the main hall and Lange Library to answer questions about opportunities for you to become more involved in the MVS community. Colin Dunnigan (Director of College Counseling), Ken Laake (Athletic Director), and Trey Adams (Director of Admissions), will join me in being available in the library and hallways. Water will be available in the library, courtesy of the Parents’ Association, during free periods to keep you hydrated.
On behalf of all of the upper school faculty and staff, we look forward to sharing an informative Wednesday evening with you.
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Greetings Upper School Parents!
As promised, here is a quick e.mail confirming that US Parent Information Night (PIN) is scheduled for this Wednesday, 15 September. The evening begins promptly at 7:PM with advisory group meetings, in the following locations:
Upper School PIN:
Advisory Group Meeting Locations
MR. ASH Room 4
DR. BIRDI Room 22
MR. CAMM Room 6
MR. CZARNOTA Room 20
MR. DUNNIGAN Lange Library
MR. GRAETZ Room 2
MRS. GRIFFITH Room 23
MS. KEMPER Room 8
MR. LAMOTTE Room 12
MS. MOULTON Room 5
MR. MUNHOFEN & MRS. ZHANG Room 10
MR. ROMEO Room 11
MRS. SPARKS Room 3
MS. SPIEGEL Room 7
MR. SQUIERS Room 1
MR. WAGNER Room 9
MR. WILLIAMS US Music Room
MRS. ZHANG & MR. MUNHOFEN Room 10
Following Advisory meetings (where you will receive a copy of your child’s class schedule for PIN, a map of US classrooms, and a name tag), parents will then participate in an abridged version of your child’s academic schedule, each class meeting for 10 minutes, with a 5 minute passing time between. This schedule allows us to conclude US PIN at 9:PM, so bring a notepad for jotting down notes and wear comfortable shoes to keep on pace. Class changing times will be announced over the phone/intercom system. If you happen to arrive at MVS after 7:15PM, a copy of your child’s schedule should be available at the reception desk in the main hallway.
PIN is intended to provide the opportunity for parents to meet advisors and teachers, briefly experience academic classes, and put “some names to faces” in the interests of facilitating future contact and communication. Should you have a specific question regarding a class or relating to your child’s performance, please contact that teacher to arrange for a later appointment, when such matters can be addressed appropriately. The mid-term of the Fall Trimester is 24 September, with the goal of releasing comments, work habit/effort marks, and grades via MyBackpack on Monday, 4 October.
Since US PIN begins with individual advisory group meetings, representatives from the MVS Parents’ Association will be in the main hall and Lange Library to answer questions about opportunities for you to become more involved in the MVS community. Colin Dunnigan (Director of College Counseling), Ken Laake (Athletic Director), and Trey Adams (Director of Admissions), will join me in being available in the library and hallways. Water will be available in the library, courtesy of the Parents’ Association, during free periods to keep you hydrated.
On behalf of all of the upper school faculty and staff, we look forward to sharing an informative Wednesday evening with you.
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Friday, September 10, 2010
Upper School PIN, Picture Day, & Mid-September Happenings
Friday, 10 September 2010
Greetings Upper School Parents:
The week following Labor Day always confirms the feeling that the academic year is now in full swing. With the approach of Parent Information Night (PIN) and an abundance of up-coming programs and initiatives, I thought it a good idea to send a reminder of activities at work here in the Upper School.
Picture day is Tuesday for individual student packets, including photo IDs. Rather than distributing order envelopes, this year the form is electronic, as mentioned in Friday’s MVS Weekly Bulletin. Students will need to bring a printed/completed order form and payment to submit their picture order. Photos for fall season athletic teams will soon be scheduled.
Upper School PIN is this Wednesday, 15 September, beginning at 7:PM sharp with meetings by Advisory Groups. PIN is an essential event at MVS, providing the opportunity for parents to meet advisors and teachers, attend shortened classes, and gain insight to the academic program in the upper school. Expect a detailed e.mail from me on Monday with meeting locations and other PIN related information; please plan to attend this important event. For parents of freshmen, remember you are invited to a special Parents of Freshman Meeting at 6:PM, before PIN.
Thursday brings the anticipated arrival of our 11 Chilean exchange students, who will attend classes at MVS from 16-30 September. I greatly appreciate the MVS families serving as hosts to our South American guests. On Thursday, I have arranged for the MVS school bus to meet the Chileans at the airport, departing around 1:PM. If parents would like “host siblings” to join the welcome committee, please send a note to the upper school office.
This week marks the beginning of visiting college representatives coming to campus. Colin Dunnigan (Director of College Counseling), will continue to up-date the days and times of visiting reps on the MVS calendar, which can be accessed at: http://www.mvschool.com/collegecounseling/colleges-on-campus . While primarily intended for Juniors and Seniors, underclassmen are permitted to attend these meetings, provided they follow the appropriate procedure if missing a class. Many college reps come to Dayton solely to visit MVS, so students are encouraged to take advantage of these informative contacts with actual admissions officers.
Next week you will receive a letter from Christie Kemper (MVS Counselor) and me regarding an important student wellness survey we will administer to the entire upper school student body during the day on 22 September. The results of this survey, which are completely anonymous and strictly confidential, will provide valued information in enhancing our awareness of student issues, developing our parent education programs, and fostering greater awareness and support of our students.
Speaking of student support, Deb Spiegel (Freshman Dean) organized a lunch meeting today with the 10 Freshmen new to MVS. From their questions and interactions, it sounds like they have made a smooth transition to MVS and into the upper school.
I will send a reminder late next week, including details relating to the campus visit schedule for Katrina Kittle, author of The Blessings of the Animals, our 2010 Upper School Shared Summer Reading selection; activities planned for Homecoming Week, 1-2 October including the 5K Run For The Rams; and my annual Homecoming Dance “expectations letter” to parents.
In a community that honors cultural diversity, it is not lost on me that this week we celebrate both Rosh Hashanah and the end of Ramadan. Considering recent national and international news stories depicting discord and cultural misunderstanding, it is affirming to me on a daily basis the unique community we all espouse here at MVS.
Best wishes towards a great weekend,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Greetings Upper School Parents:
The week following Labor Day always confirms the feeling that the academic year is now in full swing. With the approach of Parent Information Night (PIN) and an abundance of up-coming programs and initiatives, I thought it a good idea to send a reminder of activities at work here in the Upper School.
Picture day is Tuesday for individual student packets, including photo IDs. Rather than distributing order envelopes, this year the form is electronic, as mentioned in Friday’s MVS Weekly Bulletin. Students will need to bring a printed/completed order form and payment to submit their picture order. Photos for fall season athletic teams will soon be scheduled.
Upper School PIN is this Wednesday, 15 September, beginning at 7:PM sharp with meetings by Advisory Groups. PIN is an essential event at MVS, providing the opportunity for parents to meet advisors and teachers, attend shortened classes, and gain insight to the academic program in the upper school. Expect a detailed e.mail from me on Monday with meeting locations and other PIN related information; please plan to attend this important event. For parents of freshmen, remember you are invited to a special Parents of Freshman Meeting at 6:PM, before PIN.
Thursday brings the anticipated arrival of our 11 Chilean exchange students, who will attend classes at MVS from 16-30 September. I greatly appreciate the MVS families serving as hosts to our South American guests. On Thursday, I have arranged for the MVS school bus to meet the Chileans at the airport, departing around 1:PM. If parents would like “host siblings” to join the welcome committee, please send a note to the upper school office.
This week marks the beginning of visiting college representatives coming to campus. Colin Dunnigan (Director of College Counseling), will continue to up-date the days and times of visiting reps on the MVS calendar, which can be accessed at: http://www.mvschool.com/collegecounseling/colleges-on-campus . While primarily intended for Juniors and Seniors, underclassmen are permitted to attend these meetings, provided they follow the appropriate procedure if missing a class. Many college reps come to Dayton solely to visit MVS, so students are encouraged to take advantage of these informative contacts with actual admissions officers.
Next week you will receive a letter from Christie Kemper (MVS Counselor) and me regarding an important student wellness survey we will administer to the entire upper school student body during the day on 22 September. The results of this survey, which are completely anonymous and strictly confidential, will provide valued information in enhancing our awareness of student issues, developing our parent education programs, and fostering greater awareness and support of our students.
Speaking of student support, Deb Spiegel (Freshman Dean) organized a lunch meeting today with the 10 Freshmen new to MVS. From their questions and interactions, it sounds like they have made a smooth transition to MVS and into the upper school.
I will send a reminder late next week, including details relating to the campus visit schedule for Katrina Kittle, author of The Blessings of the Animals, our 2010 Upper School Shared Summer Reading selection; activities planned for Homecoming Week, 1-2 October including the 5K Run For The Rams; and my annual Homecoming Dance “expectations letter” to parents.
In a community that honors cultural diversity, it is not lost on me that this week we celebrate both Rosh Hashanah and the end of Ramadan. Considering recent national and international news stories depicting discord and cultural misunderstanding, it is affirming to me on a daily basis the unique community we all espouse here at MVS.
Best wishes towards a great weekend,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Friday, September 3, 2010
MVS Convocation & Dress Code
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Good Morning Upper School Parents:
A quick reminder that Convocation is tomorrow, Friday, 3 September, beginning at 8:30AM in the Lane Gymnasium. For this traditional, all-school event, we ask students dress more formally, especially our seniors, since they partake in the flower-and-book exchange with the kindergarten and first-grade students. Many boys elect to wear a tie, though jackets are not required. To encourage students to wear their favorite spring and summer finery, the “shoulders-must-covered/required shoulder-cap” portion of the dress code will not be enforced tomorrow; however, students should remain mindful of their skirt and short lengths.
Parents of seniors (and familiar friends) are reminded that this can be a sentimental and moving event, particularly for those who recall sons and daughters in years past; bring kleenex or a hankie.
MVS Class of 1981 alumnus Roger Meike is our keynote speaker; he will be available after Convocation for questions and greetings. Following convocation, the upper school will follow a special schedule, allowing all class periods to meet, including meetings by Advisory Groups to review the first two weeks of school, look further ahead into September, and celebrate our smooth start to the academic year.
I look forward to seeing you at Convocation.
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Good Morning Upper School Parents:
A quick reminder that Convocation is tomorrow, Friday, 3 September, beginning at 8:30AM in the Lane Gymnasium. For this traditional, all-school event, we ask students dress more formally, especially our seniors, since they partake in the flower-and-book exchange with the kindergarten and first-grade students. Many boys elect to wear a tie, though jackets are not required. To encourage students to wear their favorite spring and summer finery, the “shoulders-must-covered/required shoulder-cap” portion of the dress code will not be enforced tomorrow; however, students should remain mindful of their skirt and short lengths.
Parents of seniors (and familiar friends) are reminded that this can be a sentimental and moving event, particularly for those who recall sons and daughters in years past; bring kleenex or a hankie.
MVS Class of 1981 alumnus Roger Meike is our keynote speaker; he will be available after Convocation for questions and greetings. Following convocation, the upper school will follow a special schedule, allowing all class periods to meet, including meetings by Advisory Groups to review the first two weeks of school, look further ahead into September, and celebrate our smooth start to the academic year.
I look forward to seeing you at Convocation.
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
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