Fall Mid-Terms, Required Study Halls, Fall Break, & Immersion Deadlines

Friday, 30 September 2011

Greetings Upper School Parents:

This e.mail is to confirm that that mid-term comments, grades, and effort/work habit marks for the Fall Trimester are now available via MyBackpack.  Students reviewed, discussed, and jotted notes on their mid-terms during Advisory this morning.  As you review the Fall Trimester mid-term comments, recall that they reflect the initial academic status of your daughter or son for this first term. Please take a moment to read through the written comments, work habit marks, and estimated academic grades, preferably with your daughter or son present, praising successes and strategizing towards areas for further improvement. In considering your child’s mid-term comments, seek emerging themes among her or his over-all academic performance.

Since mid-term comments reflect, in many cases, a “snap shot” of your child’s current course work, it is appropriate to consider the grades and work habit marks accordingly.  Major assignments or assessments might be due soon after the mid-term comments were written, thus grades have the potential to fluctuate between now and the end of the term. Having reached the mid-term mark, time remains for students to implement new study strategies, heeding the advice provided in the teacher comments and indicated by the effort marks. The end of the first trimester is Monday, 31 October, followed by first trimester exams, from 1-3 November.

Required study halls will begin this Tuesday for students needing additional time management and support in achieving stronger academic performances.  Study halls will be scheduled during available student free periods and should be considered as an assigned class; attendance is mandatory.

Next Friday, 6 October, is Fall Break.  Classes will conclude at 12:noon; there will be neither extended day nor lunch available.  To add to the relaxation of Fall Break, the weekend is designated as a “no homework weekend!”

Immersion applications are due Monday, 10 OCTOBER by 3:30PM in the upper school office.  Immersion deadlines are firm; applications submitted after a deadline will be placed at the bottom of the selection process, regardless of the student’s grade level.  The link to all forms, procedures, and program descriptions for Immersion 2012 are available on the “School Announcements”section of the upper school homepage.

And finally, I extend a hearty Happy New Year’s to members of the Jewish community.  Please visit and comment at my MVS Blog http://wagnersmvsblog.blogspot.com/ for reminders, up-dates, and “Articles of Interest” from the Upper School.

With sincere regards,

Sam Wagner

Head of Upper School

Homecoming Dance: Parent Awareness & Student Support

Tuesday, 20 September 2011

Greetings Upper School Parents:

As we approach MVS Homecoming weekend, I want to communicate clearly and directly to you some expectations for student behavior at the dance.  The homecoming dance occurs on Saturday, 24 September from 8-11:00PM in the MVS Alumni Black Box Theater.  The Student Government is providing light snacks and water.

Homecoming season is often depicted as a rite of passage, celebrating friendships, honoring school spirit, and looking forward to the approach of Autumn.  I anticipate this year’s homecoming dance to be an enjoyable event, under the careful planning of the Student Government. However, as is the case in many school cultures, school dances and similar evening events also raise anxieties about potential student at-risk behavior, including drinking, unsafe driving, and other potential dangers. Throughout the year, but particularly during Homecoming and Prom seasons, tragic incidents are captured in the local and national press, reinforcing the fragility of human life and the potential dangers of adolescent vulnerabilities. Such incidents can be devastating to any community; as adults, we are prudent to be concerned with the safety of our children.

As we did last Spring at MVS Prom, for the added protection of our students (and for increased peace of mind for parents and teachers), we will administer individual Breathalyzer tests to all students attending the homecoming dance. MVS recently purchased a new device, recommended both by law enforcement and substance counseling programs, which is quicker and more accurate than the paper test-strips we used at Prom.  The use of these tests is to affirm that our students are safe and secure, as well as to reduce suspicions about at-risk behaviors at MVS events. As a school, MVS will not tolerate any student drinking or illegal substance use before or during Homecoming; to that end, we will be vigilant in our monitoring of student conduct.

If your student is attending the homecoming dance (which we hope is the case), I encourage you to have candid discussions with your child (as well as with her or his 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 you might have.

As parents, I request your assistance in modeling proactive, responsible decision making by our students. Please resist any temptation to offer alcohol to any students, even as a ceremonial toast or glass of champagne, especially since such actions are in stark conflict with MVS school policy, not to mention state laws. Such offers place students in an unnecessarily precarious dilemma. If your daughter or son is traveling in a limousine or carpooling with a group of friends, please take the time to ask, then check to confirm, that there are no “smuggled containers or substances” inside. It is better to be safe now, rather than remorseful later. If students (or you, their parents) still feel compelled to promote at-risk activities, they are cautioned to avoid Homecoming entirely. Any student, whom chaperones suspect to be under the influence, will be denied from entering the dance and, as a result, we will phone you, as their parents, to come pick him or her up.

Chaperones (me included), who agree to work in support of student events (without whom, there simply would be no Homecoming) will use their best judgment in assessing student conduct; however, these decisions will be at the discretion of faculty chaperones, Bryan Lakatos (as Student Government Advisor), and me. I encourage you to be candid with your daughter or son in all conversations surrounding alcohol, drug use, or other at-risk behaviors.  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. The potential dangers of unsafe driving raise further concerns. Our hope is that through active and direct discussions, transcending both home and school, such matters can be avoided entirely, thus allowing everyone at the dance to safely enjoy the events as they are intended.

In the interest of promoting student safety, students will not be allowed to leave the dance before its conclusion without first contacting a parent. All students are to arrive at the homecoming dance by 9:00PM. If any student arrives late, or asks to leave early, we will have him or her phone a parent directly before leaving. Once a student has officially departed from the dance (having contacted a parent first), she or he will not be permitted to re-enter the event. Students are expected to cooperate fully with chaperones, volunteers, and staff at these events. Attendance at Homecoming is a privilege, requiring an appropriate degree of student (and parent) responsibility. We look forward to enjoying these activities with your child; however, in the interest of student safety, we will be attentive to monitoring student behavior and conduct.

Again, as partners in the essential support of MVS students, please encourage your child (and her or his peers) to use sound judgment in making Homecoming a wonderful, enjoyable, and safe night for all involved. Should you have any specific questions regarding the dance, please contact Bryan Lakatos (as Student Government Advisor) or me.

With sincere regards,


Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School

Chilean Exchange Students, Richard Bausch, International Day of Peace, & Homecoming

Saturday, 17 September 2011

Greetings Upper School Parents:

It was great to see so many parents at upper school PIN on Wednesday.  The evening had a delightfully positive feel and there was good flow between classes.  I enjoyed greeting and speaking with folks in the hallways between classes, confirming our solid beginning to this academic year.

The Chilean flag, now flying as you enter campus, indicates the safe arrival of our 8 Chilean exchange students from the Thomas Jefferson School in Concepcion.  They were greeted at the airport Saturday morning by their MVS host siblings and parents, and then will be welcomed to the upper school community on Monday during Morning Announcements.

And speaking of Monday morning, renowned author Richard Bausch will be on campus as part of the MVS Visiting Author Series.  Mr. Bausch will speak with and take questions from upper school students and faculty members during 1^st period in the Truslow Commons.  He will then visit English classes throughout the morning.  Among other awards, Mr. Bausch is the 2009 fiction winner of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize.

Wednesday, 21 September is International Day of Peace.  In honor of this event, the MVS Amnesty International chapter will show Jeremy Gilley's TED Talk during Morning Announcements.  The link to the TED Talk is included on my mid-September “Articles of Interest,” which is posted on my MVS Blog.

Friday, 23 September marks the mid-term of Fall Trimester.  Teachers will compose comments and compute estimated grades and work habit/effort marks for all students.  Mid-terms will then be reviewed by students during Advisory on Friday, 30 September, then will be “sent live” via MyBackpack that afternoon.  I will send you an e.mail confirmation once they are available.

Program descriptions, deadlines, and forms for MVS Immersion 2012 are now available on the MVS web.

Following over a year’s worth of preparation and anticipation, Sunday thru Wednesday, 2-5 October, MVS will host a group of educators as our accreditation team from the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS) visits campus.

Please refer to my MVS Blog [http://wagnersmvsblog.blogspot.com/] for copies of all letters and reminders sent from my office.  I welcome your comments, suggestions, and feedback.

With sincere regards,

Sam Wagner

Head of Upper School

September Articles of Interest: 2012 Immersion, Int'l Day of Peace, Good Book, & Steve Jobs

Friday, 16 September 2011

Greetings Upper School Community:

Here is a mid-September edition of “Articles of Interest,” blending MVS news with some recent national stories.

On Wednesday, 21 September, in honor of International Day of Peace, the MVS chapter of Amnesty International will show Jeremy Gilley’s presentation, One Day of Peace, from the 2011 TEDGlobal Conference. 

Program descriptions, forms, and deadlines for MVS Immersion 2012 are now available on the MVS web.

For an interesting read on admissions and class recruitment, take a view from the perspective of a competitive New York City kindergarten.

For those among us fascinated by CSI and forensics, Frank Bender, famed “re-composer” of faces from skulls, died recently in Philadelphia.  His obituary and career story makes for an interesting read.

Less we forget, in this age of iPads and tech tablets, here is a great article on the pleasures found in a good (actual) book.

And finally, a great article (with fitting graphics) making its way through the ‘blogosphere,’ “The 10 Commandments of Steve” presents a snap-shot (literally and figuratively) of Steve Jobs’ sage wisdom.

Happy reading!

Sam Wagner

Head of Upper School

Upper School PIN: Wednesday, 14 September 2011

Monday, 12 September 2011

Greetings Upper School Parents!

As promised, here is a quick e.mail confirming that US Parent Information Night (PIN) is this Wednesday, 14 September.  The evening begins promptly at 7:PM with parents meeting by advisory groups in the following locations:

Upper School PIN:
Advisory Group Meeting Locations

MR. ASH - Room 4

DR. BIRDI - Room 22

MRS. BREWER - Lange Library

MR. CAMM - Room 6

MR. CZARNOTA - Room 20

MS. DAVIS - Room 9

MR. GRAETZ - Room 2

MRS. GRIFFITH - Room 23

MS. KEMPER - Room 8

MR. LAMOTTE - Room 12

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 5

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 classroom locations, and a name tag), parents will then participate in an abridged version of their child’s academic schedule, each class meeting for 10 minutes, with a 5 minute passing time between. This schedule allows us to conclude PIN at 9:00PM, so bring a notepad for jotting down notes and wear comfortable shoes to keep on pace.  Class changing times will be announced over the intercom system. If you happen to arrive late at MVS after 7:15PM, a copy of your child’s schedule should be available from Mrs. McCallum 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 Friday, 23 September; mid-term comments, work habit/effort marks, and grades will be released via MyBackpack on the afternoon of Friday, 30 September.

Since US PIN begins with individual advisory group meetings, representatives from the MVS Parents’ Association will be in the Truslow Commons to answer questions about opportunities for you to become more involved in the MVS community. Heike Kennel will be at the main reception desk to answer any questions about Grinders foodservice accounts and MVS spirit apparel. Sarah Brewer (Director of College Counseling), Ken Laake (Athletic Director), and Trey Adams (Director of Admissions), will join me in being available in the, Commons, library and hallways. Water will be available in the Truslow Commons, 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

US PIN, Pre-Immersion Open House, Fall Shakespeare, and More...

Friday, 9 September 2011

Greetings Upper School Parents:

The short-week following Labor Day always confirms for me that the academic year is fully underway.  With the approach of Parent Information Night (PIN) and a plethora of exciting programs and initiatives on the horizon, I thought it a good idea to send a reminder of activities in the works here in the Upper School.

Upper School PIN is next Wednesday, 14 September, beginning at 7:00PM sharp with parent meetings by Advisory Groups.  PIN is an essential, required event at MVS, providing valuable opportunity for parents to speak with advisors, attend shortened classes, meet teachers, and gain insights to the academic program and community fabric of the Upper School.  I will send an e.mail on Monday, including meeting locations and other PIN related details; the upper school faculty and I look forward to sharing Wednesday evening with you.

Next Friday, students will participate in Pre-Immersion Open House, learning specific details about the program offerings for 2012 Immersion from the faculty members leading them.  Program descriptions, forms, and Immersion dates and deadlines will be available on the US homepage early next week.  As reminder, students anticipating international travel should confirm or apply for their valid passports ASAP.

Peter Camm is holding open auditions for the fall dramatic performance, William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, with need for parts on-stage as well as behind-the-scenes. The show will be staged 20-22 October in the Alumni Theater.

Afternoon carpool pick-up requires your attention and assistance.  If you are picking up a student, feel free to park in the lot, pull-up along the sidewalk, or stop in the outside lane of the three carpool lanes.  The middle carpool lane and all lanes through the parking lot need to keep moving so traffic can exit from campus, stopping only for pedestrian traffic in the cross walks.  I appreciate your attention to this important safety issue.

I am THRILLED to share that The Outliers, a local band comprised entirely of MVS students (three Sophomores: David Busarow, Sam Pickard, John Winch; and seventh-grader: Jack Badgley) have reached the finals of the 2011 Dayton Battle of the Bands!  The final competition will be held at Canal Street Tavern on the evening of Saturday, 24 September.  Rock-On, Outliers!

Next week marks the start of visiting college representatives coming to campus.  Sarah Brewer (Director of College Counseling), will continue to up-date the days and times of visiting reps on the MVS calendar, as well as reminding students during Morning Announcements.  Primarily intended for Juniors and Seniors, students are permitted to miss a class, provided they follow the appropriate procedure by asking their teacher a day in advance.  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.

The Lange Library is open daily from 3:30 - 6:00PM, providing extended study hours.  This academic 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 Jennifer Buckner as our new afternoon library proctor.  Ms. Buckner is completing her Masters Degree in Library and Information Science, so she is exceptionally well qualified to provide students with research assistance after school.

Richard Bausch, author of Peace, the 2011 Upper School Shared Summer Reading selection will address the upper school and visit English classes on Monday, 19 September.  Other activities planned for that week include: the arrival of Chilean exchange students (17-29 Sept), school picture day (22 Sept), all-school sprit rally (23 Sept) and Homecoming Weekend (24 Sept), including abundant athletic events, Run For The Rams, and the upper school Homecoming Dance (from 8-11:PM) in the Alumni Black Box Theater, sponsored by Student Government.  I will send my annual Homecoming Dance “expectations letter” to parents early that week; I encourage you to begin candid conversations about safety with your child, her or his classmates, and fellow upper school parents.

On a final note, in a community that prides itself on compassion and cultural awareness, it is not lost on me that this weekend marks the 10^th anniversary of the horrific events from 11 September 2001.  While the national and international media coverage ranges from stories of heroism and solemn reflection to charting the continuing waves of discord and fear, it is affirming to me, on a daily basis, the unique community we all espouse here at MVS.

Best wishes towards a restful weekend,

Sam Wagner

Head of Upper School