Monday, 24 May 2010
Greetings Upper School Parents:
Here are a couple details and quick reminders as we head into late May.
We had a great advisory lunch last Thursday, catered here on campus by Amar India. The time allowed advisory groups a chance to meet, eat, chat, and strategize towards end of the term details. We concluded the day by attending the Athletic Awards Ceremony in the Lane Gym, held for the first time during the academic day.
Abundant thanks to the MVS Parents’ Association and the robust crew of volunteers that planned and hosted a fabulous and successful 2010 After Prom. Having spent evening/early morning attending the event, it was clear that the students enjoyed the food, activities, and over-all positive spirit.
The spring trimester exam schedule is now posted on the upper school homepage of the MVS website.
We are proud to announce that our selection for the 2010 Upper School Shared Summer Reading is Katrina Kittle’s newest novel, titled THE BLESSINGS OF THE ANIMALS. The entire upper school community, students and faculty members alike, are required to read this novel, which is scheduled for publication release on 3 August, perfect timing to begin the gradual transition towards the first day of school, on 24 August. Next fall, the novel will be addressed in all English Classes and in Advisory Groups, leading up to the events of visiting author day; details to follow.
In addition to the required Shared Summer Reading, members of the English Department have compiled suggested reading lists for students (and families) seeking recommendations to further enrich their summer reading choices. The list of suggested titles are available on the upper school homepage of the MVS website.
Look for an e.mail from me later this week, detailing some important revisions to the extra-curricular and athletic participation policy, as well as to the academic eligibility review process for scholar athletes.
I would be remiss not to remind you that June brings two important MVS events, steeped in school tradition: Academic Awards on Thursday, 3 June at 7:PM in the Lane Gymnasium, and Graduation Exercises on Sunday, 6 June at 3:PM at the Victoria Theater. I look forward to seeing you at these two “delightfully distinctive” MVS events.
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Monday, May 24, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
MVS Prom & After Prom Reminders
Monday, 17 May 2010
Greetings Upper School Parents:
With the pleasant arrival of spring and the approach of Prom events at MVS, including the celebratory dance and the exciting offerings of After Prom (held, again, at MVS!), I thought it a prudent idea to send a quick e.mail with some familiar details, suggestions, and reminders pertaining to this time of the year.
As we approach with anticipation what is sure to be a very successful MVS Prom weekend, I want to communicate clearly and directly to you our expectations for student conduct at such school functions. Prom will be held on Saturday, 22 May at the Moraine Country Club, lasting from 8-11:30PM. Desserts, finger foods, soda, and juices will be served. After Prom will be held at MVS (in the gymnasiums and Atrium area), immediately following the conclusion of Prom, from 12:midnight-4:00AM, with an abundance of food, activities, and events, organized by the ever-creative MVS Parents’ Association.
Prom season is often depicted as a rite of passage, celebrating friendships and accomplishments of the school year past, while also looking forward to the successful completion of the academic year and the approach of summer. I anticipate this year’s Prom and After Prom, under the careful planning by the Junior Class of 2011 and MVS Parents’ Association, will be enjoyable and memorable events. However, as is the case in many school cultures, school dances and similar evening events also raise potential anxieties about student at-risk behavior, including drinking, unsafe driving, and other potential dangers. Obviously, we are all concerned about student safety, especially since students will be traveling from various distances in order to attend Prom, then afterwards in traveling to After Prom. Throughout the year, but particularly during Homecoming and Prom seasons, the tragic, but all too common incidents that are portrayed in the local and national press reinforce the fragility of human life and the potential dangers associated with teen driving, the “rites of spring,” and a variety of potential adolescent vulnerabilities. Such events can be devastating to any community, so with your added attention as parents, I want to further protect our students at MVS from making unwise decisions that could carry very significant, if not dire, consequences.
If your Junior or Senior is attending Prom (which we hope is the case!), I strongly encourage you to have frank discussions with your child (as well as with her or his 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 you might have. As a school, MVS will not tolerate any student drinking or illegal substance use before or during Prom or After Prom; to that end, we will be vigilant in our monitoring of student conduct.
As parents, I request your assistance in supporting proactive, responsible decision making by our students. Please resist any and all temptations to offer alcohol to any students, be it as ceremonial toast or glass of wine with dinner, especially since such actions are in stark conflict with MVS school policy, not to mention state laws. Such offers also place students in an unnecessarily precarious situation. 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” within. It is better to be safe now, rather than remorseful later. If students (or you, their parents) still feel compelled to engage in any at-risk activities, they are cautioned to avoid these school functions entirely. Any student, whom chaperones suspect to be under the influence, will be denied from entering these events and, as a result, we will phone you, as their parents, to come pick them up. Believe me, this is an incident in which no one wants to participate. Chaperones (me included), who agree to work for the benefit of students in supporting student events (without whom, there simply would be no Prom) will use their best judgment in assessing student conduct; however, these decisions will be at the discretion of faculty chaperones, Vin Romeo (as Junior Dean), and me. I encourage you to be especially candid with your daughter or son in your conversations surrounding alcohol, drug use, or other at-risk behaviors. 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. The potential dangers of unsafe driving raise further concerns. Our hope is that through active and forthright discussions, transcending both home and school, such matters can be avoided entirely, thus allowing everyone at Prom and After Prom to safely enjoy the events as they are intended.
In the interest of ensuring student safety, under no circumstances will a student be allowed to leave Prom or Senior Salute before their conclusions, without first contacting you directly. All students are to arrive at Prom by 9:30PM. Students should change out of their prom attire at MVS after driving to After Prom. All students are to arrive at After Prom by 12:15AM. If any student arrives late, or asks to leave early from either event, we will have him or her phone you directly. If a student encounters an unanticipated delay, we ask that she or he phone the main phone number at MVS (434-4444, ext 157, the concessions stand in the MVS Atrium), to keep us informed of their status, just to be safe. Once a student has officially departed Prom or After Prom (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, parent volunteers, and staff at these events. Attendance at Prom and After Prom are indeed privileges, requiring an appropriate degree of student (and parent) responsibility. We look forward to enjoying these activities with your children; however, in the interest of student safety, we will be attentive in monitoring student behavior and conduct.
A great deal of work has gone into planning for the Prom and After Prom, 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 involved; 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 making Prom and After Prom a wonderful, enjoyable, and safe night for all involved. Should you have any specific questions regarding Prom, feel free to contact Vin Romeo (as Dean of the Junior Class).
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Greetings Upper School Parents:
With the pleasant arrival of spring and the approach of Prom events at MVS, including the celebratory dance and the exciting offerings of After Prom (held, again, at MVS!), I thought it a prudent idea to send a quick e.mail with some familiar details, suggestions, and reminders pertaining to this time of the year.
As we approach with anticipation what is sure to be a very successful MVS Prom weekend, I want to communicate clearly and directly to you our expectations for student conduct at such school functions. Prom will be held on Saturday, 22 May at the Moraine Country Club, lasting from 8-11:30PM. Desserts, finger foods, soda, and juices will be served. After Prom will be held at MVS (in the gymnasiums and Atrium area), immediately following the conclusion of Prom, from 12:midnight-4:00AM, with an abundance of food, activities, and events, organized by the ever-creative MVS Parents’ Association.
Prom season is often depicted as a rite of passage, celebrating friendships and accomplishments of the school year past, while also looking forward to the successful completion of the academic year and the approach of summer. I anticipate this year’s Prom and After Prom, under the careful planning by the Junior Class of 2011 and MVS Parents’ Association, will be enjoyable and memorable events. However, as is the case in many school cultures, school dances and similar evening events also raise potential anxieties about student at-risk behavior, including drinking, unsafe driving, and other potential dangers. Obviously, we are all concerned about student safety, especially since students will be traveling from various distances in order to attend Prom, then afterwards in traveling to After Prom. Throughout the year, but particularly during Homecoming and Prom seasons, the tragic, but all too common incidents that are portrayed in the local and national press reinforce the fragility of human life and the potential dangers associated with teen driving, the “rites of spring,” and a variety of potential adolescent vulnerabilities. Such events can be devastating to any community, so with your added attention as parents, I want to further protect our students at MVS from making unwise decisions that could carry very significant, if not dire, consequences.
If your Junior or Senior is attending Prom (which we hope is the case!), I strongly encourage you to have frank discussions with your child (as well as with her or his 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 you might have. As a school, MVS will not tolerate any student drinking or illegal substance use before or during Prom or After Prom; to that end, we will be vigilant in our monitoring of student conduct.
As parents, I request your assistance in supporting proactive, responsible decision making by our students. Please resist any and all temptations to offer alcohol to any students, be it as ceremonial toast or glass of wine with dinner, especially since such actions are in stark conflict with MVS school policy, not to mention state laws. Such offers also place students in an unnecessarily precarious situation. 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” within. It is better to be safe now, rather than remorseful later. If students (or you, their parents) still feel compelled to engage in any at-risk activities, they are cautioned to avoid these school functions entirely. Any student, whom chaperones suspect to be under the influence, will be denied from entering these events and, as a result, we will phone you, as their parents, to come pick them up. Believe me, this is an incident in which no one wants to participate. Chaperones (me included), who agree to work for the benefit of students in supporting student events (without whom, there simply would be no Prom) will use their best judgment in assessing student conduct; however, these decisions will be at the discretion of faculty chaperones, Vin Romeo (as Junior Dean), and me. I encourage you to be especially candid with your daughter or son in your conversations surrounding alcohol, drug use, or other at-risk behaviors. 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. The potential dangers of unsafe driving raise further concerns. Our hope is that through active and forthright discussions, transcending both home and school, such matters can be avoided entirely, thus allowing everyone at Prom and After Prom to safely enjoy the events as they are intended.
In the interest of ensuring student safety, under no circumstances will a student be allowed to leave Prom or Senior Salute before their conclusions, without first contacting you directly. All students are to arrive at Prom by 9:30PM. Students should change out of their prom attire at MVS after driving to After Prom. All students are to arrive at After Prom by 12:15AM. If any student arrives late, or asks to leave early from either event, we will have him or her phone you directly. If a student encounters an unanticipated delay, we ask that she or he phone the main phone number at MVS (434-4444, ext 157, the concessions stand in the MVS Atrium), to keep us informed of their status, just to be safe. Once a student has officially departed Prom or After Prom (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, parent volunteers, and staff at these events. Attendance at Prom and After Prom are indeed privileges, requiring an appropriate degree of student (and parent) responsibility. We look forward to enjoying these activities with your children; however, in the interest of student safety, we will be attentive in monitoring student behavior and conduct.
A great deal of work has gone into planning for the Prom and After Prom, 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 involved; 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 making Prom and After Prom a wonderful, enjoyable, and safe night for all involved. Should you have any specific questions regarding Prom, feel free to contact Vin Romeo (as Dean of the Junior Class).
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Friday, May 7, 2010
Spring Mid-Terms & May MVS Events & Details
Friday, 7 May 2010
Greetings Upper School Parents:
We certainly lucked-out today with the beautiful weather for Grandparents Day and Spring Fling! It was wonderful to see so many MVS families as part of the day’s events. This e.mail serves as official notification that the comments, work habit marks, and grades illustrating your daughter or son’s Spring Trimester mid-term academic progress are now available via the on-line portal My Backpack. Mid-term comments for the Spring Trimester are required only for students achieving grades of “C-” or lower or effort marks of “3” and below. Since mid-terms provide a “snapshot” of a student’s academic performance, they should be considered accordingly. Time remains to attend to concerns mentioned up to this point; however, attentive preparation and follow-through are necessary in anticipation of the speedy approach of June. Consider it a good end-of-term resolution to conclude the 2010 academic year with appropriate academic vigor.
With the arrival of warmer weather, we continue to seek your assistance relating to matters of appropriate spring apparel, specifically regarding: ripped and torn clothing, shorts and skirt length, and overly revealing tops. As a quick guide, ripped clothing is not permitted, shorts and skirt must be longer than the extended fingers of a students hands at their sides, and shirts should cover a students’ shoulders and not be overly revealing. We appreciate your assistance (and good humor) in helping our students to be presentable and aware of their appearance.
We have been hosting a number of student visitors this spring, indicating high interest in students (and their families) learning more about MVS. When an inquiry comes officially through the Admissions Office, the admissions staff and I arrange for an MVS student “host” to accompany the student through a “typical day” in the US. This official contact also allows us to provide the family with appropriate information regarding MVS. If your son or daughter wants to bring a friend to visit MVS (so long as the friend’s presence does not cause a distraction), we ask that your child confirm with me ahead of time. On the day of an approved visit, we ask that your daughter or son bring the visitor to the front office to meet me and officially sign-in the friend. Then, as is customary, students introduce their visitors to the US community during Morning Announcements.
Senior privileges for the Class of 2010 began last week, for those students who qualify. Included in the qualifications for senior privileges are: the individual completion of each student’s community service requirements; maintaining appropriate academic and disciplinary records; and turning in photos for yearbook and the graduation slide show. The opportunity for open campus privileges represents an additional degree of freedom and responsibility, marking another step closer towards graduation. As a heads-up, seniors who qualify for senior privileges must receive their parents’ signature before said freedoms can begin. Your assistance in keeping our seniors mindful of senior deadlines is appreciated.
Advanced Placement exams begin this week and continue through next week, serving as the formal culmination of AP courses offered this year. Next Friday, 14 May is an assessment day for all MVS teachers, so classes will not occur.
Upper school prom, hosted by the Junior class in honor of the Seniors, is Saturday, 22 May, followed by Senior Salute, hosted by the Parents Association again here at MVS. Further details, including my accustomed “prom awareness letter,” will soon follow.
Planning for Senior Seminar is underway, lead by Ashwi Birdi (as Senior Dean), Colin Dunnigan, and Christie Kemper. Although the last day of academic classes for seniors is Thursday, 27 May, seniors are required to attend Senior Seminar at MVS on Friday 28 May, during which a number of transition and graduation details will be addressed, including a formal graduation practice.
For Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors, Spring Trimester final exams will be held 1 & 2 June.
The US faculty has begun preliminary discussions in planning for Immersion 2011. While we always strive to achieve a balance of programmatic and cost of offerings, I have asked faculty members to be especially mindful as we plan towards next year. The newly formed Immersion Task Force is looking at the mission, processes, and policies of Immersion, striving to further improve this capstone of MVS’ commitment to experiential learning.
I appreciate your support of and attention to the many events, activities, and initiatives at work in the Upper School. As always, should you have a question, feel free to contact your child’s Academic Advisor, Grade-level Dean, classroom teachers, or me. I am heading back out to enjoy the events of Grandparents Day and Spring Fling: I look forward to seeing you soon at an up-coming MVS event.
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Friday, April 16, 2010
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 8th grade students experienced their future classes on a shortened schedule. In order to provide space for our 8th grade visitors, the 9th and 6th grade students spent the morning off campus bowling, then returned to campus by late morning, in time for 5th period class, lunch, and a some-what normal Friday afternoon.
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.
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 8th 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.
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
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
Friday, April 9, 2010
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
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
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