Sunday, 27 March 2011
Greetings Upper School Parents:
I hope the first week of Spring Break finds you healthy, well rested, and ready for the actual coming of Spring! Since recent weather has felt more like the return of winter, here is a fresh set of “Articles of Interest” to warm your intellect and contemplation as we enter the second week of Spring Break and welcome the promise of April.
This Sunday’s New York Times cover article Poisoned Web: A Girl’s Nude Photo & Altered Lives, Jan Hoffman reiterates many of the topics and concerns we discussed at the internet safety and awareness program back in the fall. When high-tech flirting turns explicit, repercussions can have serious and lasting implications.
In February’s Anniversary Issue of The New Yorker magazine, Malcolm Gladwell sets his sights on the foibles of the college ranking system. His article The Order of Things: What College Rankings Really Tells Us presents an intriguing, Gladwell-esque analysis of what data is used (and how it is weighted) in determining the annual U.S. News ranking of colleges.
And in further college-related reading, in the current edition of The Atlantic magazine, Caitlin Flanagan’s article, The Ivy Delusion, presents a number of topical issues affirming the importance of “fit and match” in the college selection process.
The current edition of Fast Company offers a comprehensive article on Google’s CEO Larry Page, including the challenges ahead in the increasingly competitive internet landscape.
And from the ‘stranger than fiction’ section, two recent articles from the New York Times address the recent antics of Charlie Sheen and why audiences (and the media) simply cannot look away: When Your Life Becomes a Verb (from 4 March), and Sheen-ology (from 6 March).
Happy reading and with sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Early March: Articles of Interest
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Greetings Upper School Parents:
Happy Mardi Gras! To add to the celebrations of the apparent arrival of Spring, here is a fresh set of “Articles of Interest” for the start of March.
In Newsweek’s cover article, Sharon Begley addresses “brain freeze,” the “Twitterization of our culture,” and how the deluge of information paralyzes our ability to make good decisions in the topical article I Can’t Think.
In the ever-focusing world of web-searches, Steve Lohr’s article Google Schools Its Algorithm traces the ever-sharpening science of honing the accuracy of search engines. In this case, the recent success by IBM’s Watson in the Jeopardy challenge reveals the increasing power of computers to comprehend the nuances of human expression; a brave new world, indeed!
In the great world-sport of Cricket, the 2011 ICC World Cup is now well under way. Sunday’s New York Times has a great article covering Ireland’s underdog victory over England, seen through the eyes of undergraduate students at N.Y.U. Polytech. The final match of the Cricket World Cup will be played Saturday, 2 April in Mumbai, India.
From the sardonic world of art, Sunday’s New York Times also carries a great story about the illustrations, etchings, and stories of Edward Gorey. In the article Nightshade is Growing Like Weeds, Mark Dery traces the lasting influences of Gorey, who died back in 2000.
And to conclude this edition, MVS Alum Danny Beaty is generously referred to in last weekend’s Wall Street Journal article, titled Headed Uptown for a Harlem Renaissance.
Happy reading,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Greetings Upper School Parents:
Happy Mardi Gras! To add to the celebrations of the apparent arrival of Spring, here is a fresh set of “Articles of Interest” for the start of March.
In Newsweek’s cover article, Sharon Begley addresses “brain freeze,” the “Twitterization of our culture,” and how the deluge of information paralyzes our ability to make good decisions in the topical article I Can’t Think.
In the ever-focusing world of web-searches, Steve Lohr’s article Google Schools Its Algorithm traces the ever-sharpening science of honing the accuracy of search engines. In this case, the recent success by IBM’s Watson in the Jeopardy challenge reveals the increasing power of computers to comprehend the nuances of human expression; a brave new world, indeed!
In the great world-sport of Cricket, the 2011 ICC World Cup is now well under way. Sunday’s New York Times has a great article covering Ireland’s underdog victory over England, seen through the eyes of undergraduate students at N.Y.U. Polytech. The final match of the Cricket World Cup will be played Saturday, 2 April in Mumbai, India.
From the sardonic world of art, Sunday’s New York Times also carries a great story about the illustrations, etchings, and stories of Edward Gorey. In the article Nightshade is Growing Like Weeds, Mark Dery traces the lasting influences of Gorey, who died back in 2000.
And to conclude this edition, MVS Alum Danny Beaty is generously referred to in last weekend’s Wall Street Journal article, titled Headed Uptown for a Harlem Renaissance.
Happy reading,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Friday, February 25, 2011
Immersion Departures & Winter Term Comments & Grades.
Friday, 25 February 2011
Greetings Upper School Parents:
France departed on Sunday; Marine Ecology left today; tomorrow we have dual departures of the Ethiopia and Habitat for Humanity groups. On campus, there is a palpable vibe of experiential learning. Let the transitions into Immersion continue! This e.mail serves as official notification that the comments, work habit/effort marks, and grades illustrating your daughter or son’s Winter Trimester assessments are now available via My Backpack. These term marks represent course work that began back in November and concluded for most late last week. It is aptly fitting that students (and faculty members) are now rewarded with the delightful “shifting of mental gears” associated with the upper school Immersion program, the capstone of experiential learning at MVS.
Please take a moment to review the comments, effort marks, and grades with your daughter or son, celebrating successes and developing strategies for future improvements. As always, should you have a question relating to a specific comment, grade, or course (including these initial stages of Immersion 2011), please contact that teacher, via voice or e.mail, to discuss the matter further. Since most faculty members are away from campus facilitating Immersion activities, some return contacts might take longer than in normal circumstances.
Of important note, ranking among the most exciting upper school events, please mark your calendar for Immersion Open House, which will occur on Wednesday, 13 April, beginning at 7:00PM in the Lane Gymnasium. This celebratory event is designed so the entire MVS community can witness first-hand the energy, experiences, learning, and accomplishments from all of the 2011 Immersion offerings, spanning from group projects to individual studies.
As way of reminder, please purchase books in anticipation for the start of the Spring Trimester, including required English electives for grades 10-12. The MBS Direct website has a listing of the titles, authors, and ISBNs for the courses that required texts.
That’s all for now from here in the Upper School. Thank you, as always, for entrusting your son or daughter with us here at MVS. If I do not see you sooner, best wishes towards a safe and relaxing Spring Break.
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Greetings Upper School Parents:
France departed on Sunday; Marine Ecology left today; tomorrow we have dual departures of the Ethiopia and Habitat for Humanity groups. On campus, there is a palpable vibe of experiential learning. Let the transitions into Immersion continue! This e.mail serves as official notification that the comments, work habit/effort marks, and grades illustrating your daughter or son’s Winter Trimester assessments are now available via My Backpack. These term marks represent course work that began back in November and concluded for most late last week. It is aptly fitting that students (and faculty members) are now rewarded with the delightful “shifting of mental gears” associated with the upper school Immersion program, the capstone of experiential learning at MVS.
Please take a moment to review the comments, effort marks, and grades with your daughter or son, celebrating successes and developing strategies for future improvements. As always, should you have a question relating to a specific comment, grade, or course (including these initial stages of Immersion 2011), please contact that teacher, via voice or e.mail, to discuss the matter further. Since most faculty members are away from campus facilitating Immersion activities, some return contacts might take longer than in normal circumstances.
Of important note, ranking among the most exciting upper school events, please mark your calendar for Immersion Open House, which will occur on Wednesday, 13 April, beginning at 7:00PM in the Lane Gymnasium. This celebratory event is designed so the entire MVS community can witness first-hand the energy, experiences, learning, and accomplishments from all of the 2011 Immersion offerings, spanning from group projects to individual studies.
As way of reminder, please purchase books in anticipation for the start of the Spring Trimester, including required English electives for grades 10-12. The MBS Direct website has a listing of the titles, authors, and ISBNs for the courses that required texts.
That’s all for now from here in the Upper School. Thank you, as always, for entrusting your son or daughter with us here at MVS. If I do not see you sooner, best wishes towards a safe and relaxing Spring Break.
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Monday, February 14, 2011
Freshman Immersion 2011: Parent Meeting Follow-up
Friday, 11 February 2011
Greetings Parents of Freshmen (Class of 2014):
It was great to see and speak with so many of you Thursday evening. For those unable to attend, we discussed the details, activities, and the over-arching themes for Freshman Immersion 2011. In developing our curriculum, we are focusing on the following “big picture” thematic goals: identity (personal, relational, grade-level, & community), opportunity (academic, experiential, community outreach, vocational, & life-long), and wellness (physical, emotional, spiritual, & nutritional).
Attached as a PDF is the Immersion Calendar that was distributed Thursday evening, reflecting the entire four-weeks of Freshman Immersion. As is the case with all Immersion Programs, since the daily activities contribute essential threads to the comprehensive fabric of our larger goals, please avoid scheduling any appointments during Immersion that would conflict with Immersion activities. Unless informed otherwise, Freshman Immersion will begin at 8:30 each morning; students will have homework assignments each night, be it reading, journal writing, or purposeful reflection.
We cannot wait for Immersion to begin! We look forward to working with your daughters and sons in the weeks to come.
With sincere regards,
The Freshman Immersion Team:
Mrs. Kemper, Mr. Wagner, Mr. Munhofen, Mrs. Sparks, & Mr. Williams
Greetings Parents of Freshmen (Class of 2014):
It was great to see and speak with so many of you Thursday evening. For those unable to attend, we discussed the details, activities, and the over-arching themes for Freshman Immersion 2011. In developing our curriculum, we are focusing on the following “big picture” thematic goals: identity (personal, relational, grade-level, & community), opportunity (academic, experiential, community outreach, vocational, & life-long), and wellness (physical, emotional, spiritual, & nutritional).
Attached as a PDF is the Immersion Calendar that was distributed Thursday evening, reflecting the entire four-weeks of Freshman Immersion. As is the case with all Immersion Programs, since the daily activities contribute essential threads to the comprehensive fabric of our larger goals, please avoid scheduling any appointments during Immersion that would conflict with Immersion activities. Unless informed otherwise, Freshman Immersion will begin at 8:30 each morning; students will have homework assignments each night, be it reading, journal writing, or purposeful reflection.
We cannot wait for Immersion to begin! We look forward to working with your daughters and sons in the weeks to come.
With sincere regards,
The Freshman Immersion Team:
Mrs. Kemper, Mr. Wagner, Mr. Munhofen, Mrs. Sparks, & Mr. Williams
Monday, February 7, 2011
MVS Freshman Immersion: Parent Information Meeting
Monday, 7 February 2011
Greetings Parents of Freshmen (Class of 2014):
On behalf of the Freshman Immersion Team, we invite you to our parent information session, to be held this Thursday, 10 February at 7:00PM in the Truslow Upper School Commons.
During the meeting, we will distribute our calendar of events and activities for Freshman Immersion 2011, the details for which we have been planning for nearly a year. There will also be ample time for your questions, seeing as for many of you, this is your first experience with the Upper School’s Immersion Program.
We look forward to seeing you Thursday evening!
Best regards,
Mrs. Kemper, Mr. Wagner, Mr. Munhofen, Mrs. Sparks, & Mr. Williams
Greetings Parents of Freshmen (Class of 2014):
On behalf of the Freshman Immersion Team, we invite you to our parent information session, to be held this Thursday, 10 February at 7:00PM in the Truslow Upper School Commons.
During the meeting, we will distribute our calendar of events and activities for Freshman Immersion 2011, the details for which we have been planning for nearly a year. There will also be ample time for your questions, seeing as for many of you, this is your first experience with the Upper School’s Immersion Program.
We look forward to seeing you Thursday evening!
Best regards,
Mrs. Kemper, Mr. Wagner, Mr. Munhofen, Mrs. Sparks, & Mr. Williams
Early February: Upper School Reminders & Details
Monday, 7 February 2011
Greetings Upper School Parents:
As we head into the final week of classes for the Winter Trimester, followed by winter exams and the start of Immersion 2011, here are a couple reminders of activities in the Upper School.
The exam schedule for 15-17 February is posted on the upper school documents page at: http://www.mvschool.com/academics/upperschool/overview/upper-school-documents
Next Thursday, 17 February, the Red Cross Club is sponsoring a “red out” dance, from 8-11:PM in the Alumni Black Box Theatre. Admission is $5 per student, which is discounted to $3 if a student comes dressed in red. Mrs. Kemper, Red Cross Sponsor, is coordinating the event and our faculty chaperones, including me!
Each student is expected to accomplish 20-hours of approved community service for each year of attendance in the upper school. The listing of approved local community service organizations, with contact names and phone numbers, is available on the announcements section of the upper school home page: http://www.mvschool.com/academics/upperschool/overview
Since community service is a graduation requirement, Seniors are aware of the 11 February deadline for completing individual community service requirements; afterwards, open campus and other spring privileges will be jeopardized.
Following exams, we have a four-day President’s Day Weekend, providing an excellent opportunity to visit colleges, complete community service hours, prepare for Immersion, or catch up on end-of-term rest.
Due to last week’s snow days, the MVS Amnesty International chapter and I have decided to defer the upper school viewing of the documentary Pray the Devil Back To Hell until the start of the Spring Trimester in April.
I have posted a fresh selection of “Articles of Interest” on my MVS Blog, which can be viewed at: http://wagnersmvsblog.blogspot.com/ As before, I welcome your comments and feedback.
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Greetings Upper School Parents:
As we head into the final week of classes for the Winter Trimester, followed by winter exams and the start of Immersion 2011, here are a couple reminders of activities in the Upper School.
The exam schedule for 15-17 February is posted on the upper school documents page at: http://www.mvschool.com/academics/upperschool/overview/upper-school-documents
Next Thursday, 17 February, the Red Cross Club is sponsoring a “red out” dance, from 8-11:PM in the Alumni Black Box Theatre. Admission is $5 per student, which is discounted to $3 if a student comes dressed in red. Mrs. Kemper, Red Cross Sponsor, is coordinating the event and our faculty chaperones, including me!
Each student is expected to accomplish 20-hours of approved community service for each year of attendance in the upper school. The listing of approved local community service organizations, with contact names and phone numbers, is available on the announcements section of the upper school home page: http://www.mvschool.com/academics/upperschool/overview
Since community service is a graduation requirement, Seniors are aware of the 11 February deadline for completing individual community service requirements; afterwards, open campus and other spring privileges will be jeopardized.
Following exams, we have a four-day President’s Day Weekend, providing an excellent opportunity to visit colleges, complete community service hours, prepare for Immersion, or catch up on end-of-term rest.
Due to last week’s snow days, the MVS Amnesty International chapter and I have decided to defer the upper school viewing of the documentary Pray the Devil Back To Hell until the start of the Spring Trimester in April.
I have posted a fresh selection of “Articles of Interest” on my MVS Blog, which can be viewed at: http://wagnersmvsblog.blogspot.com/ As before, I welcome your comments and feedback.
With sincere regards,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Early February: Articles of Interest; Groundhog Day; Egypt & Turkiye; Julian Assange & the Media; Man vs. Computer on Jeopardy!
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Greetings Upper School Parents!
Here is a fresh set of “Articles of Interest” for the start of February, with topics spanning: re-cap from Punxsutawney; protests in Egypt and lessons from Turkey; Julian Assange and the news media; and an epic man vs. machine show-down, coming soon to Jeopardy!
In case last week’s ice storm distracted you from the weather forecasting prowess of a woodchuck, the information is available from ‘Phil’s official website’ Re-cap: Spring IS on the way!
Regarding recent events in Egypt: Landon Thomas Jr. writes, In Turkey’s Example, Some See a Map for Egypt. Having visited Turkiye last spring while co-leading 2010 Immersion program, the comparisons are simply fascinating!
As the cover story in last week’s New York Times Magazine, Executive Editor Bill Keller presents insights to the curious relationship Julian Assange holds with the news media: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/30/magazine/30Wikileaks-t.html Apparently, there is already “Hollywood buzz” surrounding a future film.
Richard Powers offers his opinion in “What Is Artificial Intelligence” on the up-coming, epic battle on the popular quiz show Jeopardy! between Ken Jennings (longest unbroken winning streak), Brad Rutter (biggest money winner), and IBM’s Watson (newest ‘super computer’). The series will air 14-16 February.
And less we forget that today is Super Bowl Sunday, in Bruce Weber’s article, “How to Muster a Rooting Disinterest in the Super Bowl,” he defines “asking where in Ohio Pittsburgh is” as an example of “unnecessary roughness.” Does the hype of the advertisements eclipse the fervor for the game?
Happy reading,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
Greetings Upper School Parents!
Here is a fresh set of “Articles of Interest” for the start of February, with topics spanning: re-cap from Punxsutawney; protests in Egypt and lessons from Turkey; Julian Assange and the news media; and an epic man vs. machine show-down, coming soon to Jeopardy!
In case last week’s ice storm distracted you from the weather forecasting prowess of a woodchuck, the information is available from ‘Phil’s official website’ Re-cap: Spring IS on the way!
Regarding recent events in Egypt: Landon Thomas Jr. writes, In Turkey’s Example, Some See a Map for Egypt. Having visited Turkiye last spring while co-leading 2010 Immersion program, the comparisons are simply fascinating!
As the cover story in last week’s New York Times Magazine, Executive Editor Bill Keller presents insights to the curious relationship Julian Assange holds with the news media: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/30/magazine/30Wikileaks-t.html Apparently, there is already “Hollywood buzz” surrounding a future film.
Richard Powers offers his opinion in “What Is Artificial Intelligence” on the up-coming, epic battle on the popular quiz show Jeopardy! between Ken Jennings (longest unbroken winning streak), Brad Rutter (biggest money winner), and IBM’s Watson (newest ‘super computer’). The series will air 14-16 February.
And less we forget that today is Super Bowl Sunday, in Bruce Weber’s article, “How to Muster a Rooting Disinterest in the Super Bowl,” he defines “asking where in Ohio Pittsburgh is” as an example of “unnecessary roughness.” Does the hype of the advertisements eclipse the fervor for the game?
Happy reading,
Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School
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