Wagner's Graduation Ode to the Class of 2012

Poetic Tribute to The MVS Class of 2012

Graduation Exercises: 7:00PM, 7 June - Victoria Theater

Greetings scholars, parents, faculty and Friends

To MVS Commencement, celebrating beginnings and ends.

In Dayton’s Victoria, for this distinguished event

My most sincere welcome, I am honored to present.

The Class of 2012, smartly seated on stage

Imagine their futures, might baffle even a Sage.

Robust, charming; numbering forty-nine strong,

Parents and friends have known well all along.

Your collective endeavors, all tallied together

May cause rivals to grow bitter and “snarky.”

Rest assured, your futures will be bright with rewards

Your brilliance, is simply, no malarkey.

The MVS faculty, seated in rows up-front,

Dressed so snazzy in academic attire.

At seven-hours past the hour-of-Noon

They support the goals to which you aspire.

Look further in the rows; locate the smiles of your family,

Beaming with pride at who you’ve become.

Though departure is sad, we’ll try to keep calm,

Into weepy emotions, we hope not to succumb.

As principal, teacher, college advisor,

The supplier of exotic Dum-Dum lollypop.

Miming wax on & off gestures around Harkness Table

My role as loyal-fan, is there at the top.

As a Shakespeare, I ‘make-eth few-eth claims’

In shaping iambic rhymes, expect random lags.

Honoring you Seniors, as the maven among fans,

This poem, arranged and presented, by “Wags.”

Your patience, I most humbly request

My sentiment, far out-weighing my skill.

Attempting to do justice to all off their traits

Is like Sisyphus battling the two-sided hill.

Thus, with gathered resolve, I embark.

Attempting to represent these bathed in bright light.

Hoping to delay their exit, for just a moment longer;

Here are glimpses, which their brilliance helped to ignite.

First is TAYLOR, a jovial and charming lad;

During Announcements, known well for selling “Greenery.”

DAISY and I once returned by special flight
Due to Turkish agents, whose behavior, displayed meanery.

SHELBY, celebrated athlete in any sports arena,

Skilled in volley, basketball, and running track.

MITCH, not sure which media he’ll conquer first,

As animator, actor, or director; he’s no film hack.

ALAN joined for half-a-year from Shanghai.

Shares a stanza with STEPHANIE CHOO.

So accustomed are we to her gymnastic feats 

Few were surprised when Brown flipped for you!

Elder sisters from the famed Clark gang,

ALLY and KELS, are doubly-able.

So lucky for me during spring term’s Great Books

Both were seated around the Harkness Table.

CLEVELAND and COLE, noted athletes are both

From young ages it was all quite apparent.

While STEFAN guards goals on the soccer pitch,

BEN, during lacrosse, shakes the nets.

  

AVERY, though away for one-short year,

Returned among good friends and she delivers.

SHANE’s deep-running knowledge of music

Is why I refer to him simply as “Rivers.”

Hailing from rich heritage of artists,

With skill, ATALIE will appease future clients.

KYLE though gia-normous in size,

Is in truth, he’s the most-gentle of giants.

NAJEI heads for college at Cincinnati U,

Basketball ranks as her favorite of sports.

CORRI, oldest of the Johnson girls,

Is equally skilled on tennis and squash courts.

Having traveled to Paris, Ephesus, & Rome

SEREENA heads next to Geneva, confidence intrepid.

ZACH, though a lesser-known member of “The Avengers”

His super powers, is why I call him ‘Sweathead.’

Some might suspect, the next two, like surrogate daughters:

GABS and AUDREY frequent my office, they do.

Empathetic instincts and spot-on observation

Some might question: who counsels whom?

Though unassuming in demeanor, Erik is composed

On oboe, he translates musical idea.

SOO YUN, while in India, found ‘Choco-Pies,’

A sweet export from her homeland in Korea.

LEMON’s triumph on the Lax field;

He batters foes with much ballyhoo.

LOVETT’s acting and wide vocal-range

She’s ready for bright lights in West Coast, Malibu.

MICHAEL helped steer his class in direction

Using his dramatic and wild-flailing arms.

Understated, wicked-smart, with always a glint in her eye

Are but a sample of MAC’s many charms.

With the MIKUTIS family, much time I have shared,

AMANDA departs next for University of Lynn.

ASHEEV’s part of our Advisory’s mystique;

Can grow his beard darker than most adult men.

JANESH, still on the hunt for his elusive missing-drill,

Can conjure a smooth brew of Masala Chai.

When NATASHA is not leading her class by example,

Battles evil as side-kick to superhero “Bird guy.”

JAMES, always bouncing with confident stride

Plans certain future as lawyer, without hinder.

From Hanover’s “Point,” one can view 3 Ohio river-bends,

Fleet-footed Mariss will be their next sprinter.

Two recent additions to this illustrious class

ELIZABETH, from Honduras, arrived with bravado!

Adding to our domestic diversity,

NICK came from mountains in Colorado.

MVS Lifers are both, SHAVER and SMITH,

First met on the playgrounds of EC.

LAUREN still maintains her signature red hair

ALEX has grown beyond the height of some trees. 

CONNOR’s advanced skill in verbal debate

A future politician, seems destined to be.

Who, on squash courts, appears to have skeleton made-of rubber?

The eldest son of SQUIERS, known to many, as “G”. 

Skills aplenty brought to MVS Stage

NIKITA and CLAIRE are no strangers to rehearse.

NIKKI will attend famed University of D.

STALEY continues her global traverse.

SHAVONNE reigns as queen on volleyball court

Shrinking carbon footprint, she strives to leave behind.

QIANWEN, an amazing exchange student

Shared travels through Anatolia, we combined.

ROBBY, good natured and fun-loving lad,

Emits high-pitched loud and echoing laughter.

BLI arrived and enriched MVS

From the faraway isle of Madagascar.

JACKSON, a father, could not be any more proud;

Funky music, Odd humor; we share many similarity.

For Immersion, BO delved into mixed-martial arts

Might fulfill role as future Bruce Lee.

Buddhist travelers in India, I was honored to join

WINCH and WOOD kept-up a blistering pace.

KAT discovered power of her “angry eyes”

CLAIRE handily could win “the Amazing Race.”

With composure, ARIANNA guided our Stu Gov,

In hallways, we trade salutes, with a deft “head-bonk.”

LAUREN, has excelled in every field she has found,

At Williams, might become composer, physician, or political wonk.

Our seniors on stage, numbering 49 strong;

A heroic group in personality, courage, and charm.

My bias aside, great confidence they bring

Imagining the world, they inherit without harm.

As if ordained, by divine guidance above

Your strengths are epic, down-right muscular.

Signs of your successes and future reward

Shine from the sky, in rays beaming crepuscular.

  

With you, I am honored to have shared 13 robust years,

My emotions, I struggle to keep under fetter.

A question I pose, which your audience agrees:

Simply: How could any future class wish to do better?

Disperse   and   scatter; are sensitive words,

When departing to destinations next fall.

A new location, you must also now visit

Down to the land where they greet with a “Y’all!”

Nearly speechless am I, tears welling inside

Sharing the stage before this audience in view.

Be it as Principal, Teacher, and most-fervent of fans

I am honored to graduate along-side of you.

In closing my verse, rhyme-scheme often perverse,

My poetics might be describes as “erratic.”

In setting you off, we wish also to preserve

Like cherished toys stored-away in an attic.

So join with me now; Parents, Teachers, Family and, Friends

While celebrated, this chapter’s end soon we will reach.

Yet another page opens, new dreams to unfurl

News of your triumphs, from you, we beseech!

The praise from your audience, here seated before you,

Planning gatherings to celebrate, so very much.

My final words, before continuing this eve,

God’s Speed,

                      Be safe,

                                  And keep in close touch!            

  

Thank you.

Samuel Wagner, V

Head of Upper School

Thursday, 7 June, 2012

Wagner Family Joins Lusher Charter School in New Orleans

Tuesday, 5 June 2012

Dear Upper School Community:

After a lengthy and thorough job search, I am thrilled to announce that the Wagner family is heading to New Orleans to join the community at Lusher Charter School.  I will serve as Director of College Counseling, and assist with special programs and community outreach initiatives.  Lusher School is a unique hybrid, as a K-12 public school, a fine and performing arts magnet, and is operated as a charter school by the non-profit Advocates for Arts-Based Education Corporation.  Lusher School’s mission is Celebrating Cultural Diversity Through High Academics and the Arts.

Additionally, Lusher School and Tulane University have maintained a long-standing relationship.  In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Tulane approached Lusher and provided funding and support to expedite the reopening of Lusher’s existing K-8 program, and develop a new high school under Lusher’s educational umbrella.  In turn, Lusher opened its doors to qualified children of Tulane faculty and staff.

This on-going partnership has expanded to allow Lusher students access to Tulane courses and other university resources and facilities.  As juniors and seniors, Lusher High School students are able to enroll in classes on Tulane’s campus, graduating with both a Lusher diploma and Tulane transcript.  Further joint ventures include: developing a professional learning center for teachers, shared use of facilities, access to Tulane’s library, and help from Tulane’s architect and facilities manager in planning future campus renovations.

Needless to say, the story of Lusher School mirrors closely the on-going rebuilding efforts in New Orleans and its surrounding regions.  As many of you remember, Allison’s family evacuated to Dayton for 3 months following Hurricane Katrina.  My nephew Josh, then a Junior, ended up staying here in Dayton, and graduated as a member of the MVS Class of 2007.  As further connection, Allison and I first met in New Orleans some 23 years ago, where we were both teaching at rival Independent Schools.

I look forward to seeing you at academic awards, graduation, and other end-of-school events this week and next.  Speaking for the entire Wagner family, we appreciate the support of the MVS community and the connections and friendships we have made while living here in Dayton for the past 13-years.

With sincere and appreciative regards,

Sam Wagner

Head of Upper School

Mid-May Articles of Interest: 2012 Grad Speakers, Congress like Middle School, Meeting Killers, Whistling in Canary Islands, Banning College Football, & a Last Cup of Tea

Monday, 21 May 2012

Greetings Upper School Community:

As we continue to move into the 2012 graduation season, here is an initial list of some well-known speakers, highlights from their comments, and the colleges at which they presented.  More to follow. 

Former New Orleanian and current Dean of Columbia University’ s School of Journalism, Nicholas Lemann pens a commentary in The New Yorker titled “The Cost Of College.” 

How are members of Congress similar to middle school students?  Recent analysis of the “level of sophistication in congressional speechmaking” indicates levels are dropping.  How about modeling the importance of education in political rhetoric? 

The Wall Street Journal article “Meet the Meeting Killers” presents good advice on how to battle the “meeting killers.”  The cartoon depictions of the usual suspects are delightful. 

From the Canary Islands, here is a story of preserving the whistling language of “el silbo;” delightfully musical to the ears.  

If you seek some spirited discussion outside of the world of politics, Intelligence Squared hosted a controversial debate on the topic of banning college football, with a panel including Malcolm Gladwell and Buzz Bissinger. 

And in passing news, Noble Fleming, renowned master tea taster for the Thomas J. Lipton Company, died in February at the age of 92.  Let’s raise a cup to beloved “Toby.” 

That’s all for now.  As always, I appreciate your comments, suggestions, and support.

With sincere regards,

Sam Wagner

Head of Upper School 

MVS Prom & After Prom: Expectations, Reminders, and Essential Conversations

Friday, 11 May 2012

Greetings Upper School Parents:

As we approach what is sure to be a successful MVS Prom weekend, I want to communicate clearly and directly to you our expectations for student conduct.  Prom will be held on Saturday, 19 May at Dayton Racquet Club, lasting from 9-11:30PM.  After Prom will be held here at MVS (in the gymnasium and atrium areas), immediately following Prom, from 12:midnight-3:30AM, with an abundance of food, activities, and events, sponsored and organized by the 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 completing 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 2013 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. We are all concerned about student safety. Throughout the year, but particularly during Homecoming and Prom seasons, tragic incidents are portrayed in the local and national press, reinforcing the fragility of human life and the potential dangers associated with teen driving, the “rites of spring,” and other 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 significant, if not dire, consequences.

As added protection of our students (and for increased peace of mind for parents and teachers), we will again administer individual breathalyzer tests to all students attending Prom.  The devises we selected (and have used at a number of previous dances) are recommended both by law enforcement and substance counseling programs.  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 Prom or After Prom; to that end, we will be vigilant in our monitoring of student conduct.

If your Junior or Senior is attending Prom (which we hope is the case), I encourage you to have candid 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 parents, I request your assistance in modeling proactive and responsible decision making by our students. Please resist all temptations to offer alcohol to any students, even as a ceremonial toast or glass of champagne with dinner, 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” within their vehicles. 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 advised to avoid Prom and After Prom 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, these are circumstances 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 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 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, 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 After Prom before their conclusions, without first contacting a parent directly. All students are to arrive at Prom by 9:30PM. Later, students should change out of their prom attire at MVS, after driving directly 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 members 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 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

Spring Mid-Term Comments & International Star Wars Day

Friday, 4 May 2012

Dear Upper School Parents:

It was wonderful to welcome so many grandparents and special guests to MVS today as part of Grandparents Day.  Fortunately, the threat of rain held-off for the afternoon, so Spring Fling was also a hit.

A quick e.mail to confirm that mid-term comments, grades, and work habit/effort marks for the Spring Term are available now via MyBackpack.  Comments are required only for courses in which a student is currently earning a "C-" or below or an effort mark of "3" or lower.  Time still remains for students to devote added attention and academic gusto in turning Spring Term marks around.  If you have a question about a specific course, please contact that teacher, your child's Academic Advisor, or grade Dean directly.

On an aside note, today is also recognized as international Star Wars Day, so: May-the-4th be with you.

Best wishes towards a restful weekend,

Sam Wagner

Head of Upper School

Grandparents Day, Spring Fling, & Spring Drama Production

Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Greetings Upper School Parents:

This Friday will be a busy day at MVS.  Grandparents' Day begins at 10:30AM and runs through noon, when dismissal occurs and Spring Fling begins.

  
At 12:noon, the entire school is dismissed, either to head towards Spring Fling or to depart and go home.  There is neither bus service nor extended day coverage on Friday afternoon.

While Spring Fling is primarily a lower school event, sponsored by the MVS Parents' Association, all members of the school community are invited to attend.  There is no admission charge for the activities, though a variety of food items will be available for purchase.

The academic areas of the school will be locked beginning at 1:00PM, so students attending Spring Fling will need to take their belongings outside or into the Lofino atrium.

Spring Fling ends at 3:00PM, when all students must be picked up or depart from campus.

On the theatrical schedule, the curtain goes up for the upper school spring drama production of Macbeth, with performances this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:00PM in the Alumni Black Box Theater.  In addition to being a student-run production, the script is an adaptation written by MVS sophomore, Lily Richards-Todd!

Best wishes towards a great week.

Sam Wagner

Head of Upper School

April 'Articles of Interest:' Tech Pivoting, Doodling for Dollars, Free Lunch for India's Students, & Tree Octopus vs. Dog Island

April 2012

Greetings Upper School Community:

April seems to have come and gone as quickly as a surprise rain shower.  Here’s the early spring edition of Articles of Interest to ease us into May and acknowledge our reaching the mid-term of spring trimester.

From the boom and bust world of technology, the WSJ addresses the adeptness of conceptual “pivoting” for tech entrepreneurs, notably in the recent success of Instagram, which was purchased by Facebook for a reported $1 billion.    

With the great opening line, “put down that smartphone; pick up that crayon,” the article “Doodling for Dollars” depicts how companies encourage employees to re-connect with their marker-to-paper skills rather than being overly-obsessed with technological gadgets.

The Economist presents a compelling outline of a “third industrial revolution,” namely how digitization will continue to transform manufacturing, global resources, and the international “politics of jobs.”

From NPR’s “the Salt” Food Blog, the story of how Indian engineers strive to build a stronger society, starting with a low-cost but nutritious school lunch program.  The ambitious goal of providing freshly prepared meals to the poorest and most at-risk of India’s children now reaches over 1 million students a day, at an astonishing cost of less than a Quarter per meal.

In a story catharsis and rebirth, Bill “Chuck” Colson, notorious for his ruthlessness leading up to the Watergate scandal, discovered a new purpose in life while serving time in prison.  Colson dedicated the rest of his life to being an advocate for hope, fresh direction, and reform to convicts, in and beyond prison.  Colson died this month at the age of 80, having seen his outreach organization grow to include over 100 countries.   

And as a final April treat, here’s quick guide to “Google Jockeying,” modeling real-time research during interactive class discussions.  

Extra-credit can be earned for validating two of my favorite subjects:

The endangered Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus, and The pastoral sanctuary of Dog Island; Free Forever.

I welcome your comments, suggestions, and feedback.  Happy reading and hope to see you soon at an up-coming MVS event.

With sincere regards,

Sam Wagner

Head of Upper School