Lamplighter 9-12-11
The Gateway Building Floor
It's hard to miss the exciting new Gateway Building which has replaced the former Admissions Office. It is especially difficult to overlook the origin of one particular piece of the structure: the floor in the “student area” of the building. The design, which features a pattern of “tree slices”, was proposed by Olivia Donahue in Mr. Moerlein's Advanced Studio Art class last year. Besides the fact that the tree's design makes a statement about the school's mission to be eco-friendly, the Advanced studio Art students who advocated the idea pointed out that: “the rings of the stumps also make a
Photo by Annie Branch
statement about the development a student has at the Derryfield School. The growth of a tree is evidenced in its rings. Think of each tree shown...as an individual Derryfield student. Each ring of experience signifies an event in the life of that student: state championships, stage performances, class debates, papers accomplished, and grades earned.” Over the summer, a group of students volunteered their time to make the floor design a reality. They traced outlines on the floor with plastic stencils, placing blue tape around the outlines. Then they began the process of acid staining
See “Floor” on Pg. 2
Derryfield Welcomes Ms. Assetta Jesse Fortier
Photo by Rachel McCoy
Lamplighter
Jessa Fogel
The Derryfield community is very excited to welcome Regina Assetta, the school’s newest English teacher. Ms. Assetta will be teaching ninth grade English IV and tenth grade English V, as well as a creative writing elective course during the spring trimester. She has also taken on a position as coach, joining forces with the
See “Assetta” on Pg. 3
Inside this issue: “Floor” Continued
2
DS Welcomes Ms. Kimball
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Men’s Sports Preview
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Women’s Sports Preview
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Remembering 9-11
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“Floor” Continued
Derryfield News
the cement, a technique that had been researched by Advanced Studio Art before the undertaking. They started by staining the outer ring of bark, then the green space between the trees, and finally the stumps' interiors. All that hard work seems to have paid off; the floor has received a positive reception by many people in the Derryfield community. “I walk on it every day to get to
Spanish. It's really cool!” says one freshman. Junior Kelly McDonald was pleased with the fact that students were involved in the process, saying, “I think that it was a very innovative idea that represents the collaboration Derryfield has between its teachers and students”. Designing the Gateway Building floor provided an opportunity for students to be creative while helping out their community.
Hopefully the success of this endeavor will lead to further opportunities for students to get involved in Derryfield projects. For more information, visit http:// andymoerleinverbier3d.blogspot.com/2011/07/ floor-of-gatewaybuilding.html.
Derryfield Welcomes Ms. Kimball
Photo by Rachel McCoy
Adam Gray Jessica Kimball is the newest addition to Derryfield’s History Department. Being intelligent and experienced, her career and life before coming to Derryfield was an admirable one. Her interests beyond the classroom setting are numerous and diversified, and she comes to Derryfield eager to become part of the unique community. Originally from Lexington Massachusetts, Ms. Kimball has a history that has followed anything but a dull course. Before finishing her college education, she took an extra few months off from the summer into the fall and delayed entry into her senior year. It was a daring decision, yet one that would greatly benefit her. She worked as a waitress, gave sailing lessons, and even took a memoir writing class at Harvard. She relates that it was amazing “doing something completely different” and all the while learning “a great deal about how to be a part of a community”. This ambition and drive carried her into reputable careers. For a time she taught at the Stepping Stone Academy in Boston, a program for inner-city students that are high achievers. The curriculum runs fourteen months total and is “very rigorous.” Later, she taught middle school writing for two summer sessions at Northfield Mount Hermon. Perhaps one of the most intensive classes she has instructed
was a summer U.S. History course. For four and a half hours every day in a five-week period, they explored the history of the United States and the myriad of topics that it includes. Without a doubt, Ms. Kimball has worked hard before coming to Derryfield.
Ms. Kimball arrives at the Derryfield School keen on joining the one-of-a-kind culture. When choosing where to work, she was immediately drawn to Derryfield because of “the way the faculty and community was spoken of. It is clear that it has a strong community and commitment to learning.” What’s more, she, like the school, wants her students to be their best in their own individual way. Indeed, she is willing to work with students be-
cause she believes they are “highly motivated” and have amazing interests. “The student-faculty relationship is very close” which will allow her to “bring in exciting materials.” She will be teaching ninth grade Asia East and West, tenth grade Modern European History, and coaching JV Girls Basketball and Varsity Softball. Lastly, Ms. Kimball has many fascinations and interests besides teaching. When asked which era she would live in if she could travel to any, she chose twentieth century America. She says that in this era, with “the rise of global powers… the causes and effects are very clear and we can understand the whole story”. Since the age of six, she has been sailing. She sailed for the Middlebury college team, and even coached during the summer for six years. On a literary note, her favorite books as a child were those of Beverly Cleary. Nowadays, she likes to read Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States because of the way in which the author presents the stories and causes behind them.
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“Assetta” Continued school’s cross-country running team. This will surely be an enjoyable year for her. Ms. Assetta’s résumé serves as a testament to her passion for English. She was an English Literature Major and graduate student of Hobart and William Smith Colleges of Geneva, NY. She also has extensive teaching experience, having taught for an International Baccalaureate school in Queens, NY, as well as a summer teaching program out of Wellesley College, known as EXPLO. Assetta’s most recent career search led her to the Northeast, where she discovered the Derryfield School. Assetta knew when she visited Derryfield that she had found the right fit. She was amazed by the energy and enthusiasm of the community, not having found a school where students and staff were genuinely excited to be in school. Assetta
felt right at home for her sample lesson, in an atmosphere where students were welcoming and appreciative. “I wanted to work for a school that felt that way,” she says. While learning her confusing schedule has been challenging, Assetta is happy to be teaching in an environment where “there is enthusiasm in the classroom [and] everyone is ready and excited to work.” Ms. Assetta likes to take a balanced approach to English, juggling class discussion, lecture and writing. She expects to hear everyone’s voice during class discussion, and sets time aside for daily writing. Ms. Assetta loves to hear what people think of new material, and finds satisfaction in watching her students grow.
When Ms. Assetta is not teaching English classes, she enjoys spending time outdoors, saying that this is what she loves about New Hampshire: “Hiking, Skiing, biking… anything!” With a laugh, she added that she enjoys “anything [to] eat as well.” One of Ms. Assetta’s favorite books is The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera, saying that she read the book at “the right time.” If Ms. Assetta could take any author out to lunch, she would take David Sedaris, who has “the best voice” and whom she has always wanted to meet. Finally, Ms. Assetta enjoys doing “anything in the outdoors! Hiking, skiing, biking… anything.” With a laugh, she also admits: “I like anything I can eat as well.”
Thanks to our Contributors! Editor in Chief: Maggie Cochrane Managing Editor: Rachel McCoy News Editor: Roz Kennybirch Sports Editor: Ben Moll Human Interest Editor: Jessa Fogel Layout: Maggie Cochrane Photos by Annie Branch and Rachel McCoy
Got an Opinion? We Want to Hear it! Email 12mcochrane@derryfield.org or 12rmccoy@derryfield.org to have YOUR opinion published in the Lamplighter!
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Men’s Sports Preview
Photo by Annie Branch
Sports
Ben Moll Cross Country The Boy’s Cross Country team burst out of the crowd in their first race last week earning a sixth place finish. Senior Alex Camerino said the performance was “amazing for the first race of the year!” It was clear early to Alex that the team had picked up “lots of new runners,” many of whom are freshman. After two of these ninth graders crossed first at the race for Derryfield, Camerino knew that this team would have “an amazing year.”As it is every year, the team’s goal is to earn a place in the Meet of Champions and Camerino thinks that the team has “both the girls and guys [who] run well enough at the state meet to earn a spot to go to the Meet of Champions.” Losing senior captains Travis Kula and Kaitlin Fink was a shame, but the rising seniors have not failed to step up. Seniors Matt Michael, Michael Bradley, Alex Camerino and Captain Alex Michaud lead this team with pride and passion. Camerino also spoke about the addition of new coach, Ms. Asetta, who has only added to the team’s “speed and fun.” Look for these running machines to make a statement at the Meet of Champions this year! Varsity Soccer Derryfield’s Boys’ Varsity Soccer team has not ceased to impress the students and teachers alike with their continued success in 2011. After losing eight seniors, all who were starters, Coach Jeff Cousineau knew that this year would be a “rebuilding year.” Even with this monkey on their
back, Coach says that his team has “surpassed his expectations.” Currently, the squad sits at a solid 2-1 with their only loss coming to Division III Hopkington in a drenched battle on the turf. Cousineau says he must call on the many younger players that dominate the team to step up in high pressure situations, especially Goalkeeper Junior Lucas McCabe and Junior Matt Milne as the playmaker Center Midfielder. Along with these key underclassmen, Captains Nevin Stevens and Gus Davis have been “great leaders from the very beginning.” The Coach feels that the team will finish the regular season with a “10-6 record, or better.” Of course, in soccer, it’s all about the postseason. If BVSO is going to be “a contender in November,” there is “plenty of work” to be done. Although the consensus is reaching
the quarterfinals, Cousineau believes the group “is on track to be a final-four team.” Crew Derryfield Crew has started up their season once again with the annual trip to Pasquaney. Co-Captain Andrew Voss’s main concern as they entered this preseason trip was “building the team back up” after loss of many seniors last year. He says, “It seems to be happening, as the novices actually seem to know what they’re doing.” Voss thinks that one of the difficulties as the team moves through the season will be seeing if these novices can keep up their success and the integration of two new novice coaches. Even with all these new members, the seniors have done a great job filling in and “integrating new rowers into the program,” which has been a problem for the squad over the past few years. The team has also struggled, as of late, to maintain the “competitive edge” to win many races. Voss would like to see the team “win some races, especially the New Hampshire Championships,” the team’s only home race, which he encourages all to attend. He expects that “the first boats will be on higher end of top ten or even earning a medal.” With a strong Men’s First Boat, look for a strong showing at Crew’s first race on September 18th.
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Women’s Sports Preview Roz Kennybirch
Photos by Annie Branch Fall state championships in female sports at Derryfield have almost become a given for the past couple of years. But due to graduating seniors, the soccer team has lost nine players, including captains Kim Pollock, Mackenzie Logan, and Aislinn Smith, and the field hockey team has lost a significant number including Ann DiPastina and Tayla Satkwich. This may be a bit of a “rebuilding” year for girls’ teams, but nonetheless, there is no doubt that it will be exciting. Varsity Soccer The soccer team responded by adding five freshmen, including Sophia Allard, who states that “everyone was very welcoming” when she came on to the team, showing
that spirits are still high. After two wins and just one loss to Hopkinton, the soccer team seems to be recovering well from the loss of players. Varsity Field Hockey Field Hockey has also been in a state of recovery. Coach Lenny McCaigue remarks that “Two games have been postponed, but we had a good home opening win against Conant. We are working hard to be defending champions.” Teams varsity field hockey is watching out for? “Newfound and Berlin are always going to be in the top four,” according to McCaigue. Cross Country Cross Country Running lost Kaitlin Fink, but re-
turning runners Lindsay Pollock and Jessa Fogel are looking ahead to the Meet of Champions, as is newcomer Casey Hecox. Hecox placed fourth in the team’s first race and helped the Girls team place fourth overall. Crew Women’s Crew, in contrast to the other sports teams, has a plentiful amount of seniors. On top of this, the girls have “a great novice base,” claims Ryan Stevenson, who is a coxswain for some of the women’s boats. Stevenson also admits that “we are looking for more people to join crew!”
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Remembering 9-11 Rachel McCoy
Editorial
There are certain moments that define a country. There are certain moments that define an era. There are certain moments where people remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when they found out. Ten years ago I was sitting in the cafeteria of Matthew Thorton Elementary School eating macaroni and cheese. An announcement was made over the PA system telling us that a plane had crashed into a building in New York. My mom was traveling that day, and I knew enough about geography at age seven to know that she was travelling close to New York. The school wouldn’t let me call my dad, and I spent the rest of the day thinking my mom may have been on that plane. Thankfully, she wasn’t, but she spent the better part of the next two days trying to get home. There were about 2,977 victims of the attacks. 2,606 perished in the Towers, 87 on American Flight 11, 60 on United Flight 175, 125 at the Pentagon, 59 on American Flight 77 and 40 on United Flight 93. There would have been more if not for the brave passengers who brought down the terrorists on United Flight 93 and crash landed the plane in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. That plane had been heading to the White House. These attacks changed our country forever, but just imagine if the White House had been hit as well. Back in Manchester, New Hampshire, a small school was trying to continue its day in the wake of the attacks. “I remember we had a few computers in the library at the time,” recalls Betty Jipson. “We did not have projectors in every room at the time. People were listening to radios in the office.” She spoke of students frantically trying to get in touch with family members. One girl, she remembered in particular, had a mother who was a flight attendant. Cell phones were not as common in 2001 as they are now, but she was able to get a hold of her mother eventually. Ms. Jipson later said she remembered being in disbelief. “It took me a long time to get my head around it. It just did not seem possible.” Doctor David Simpson remembers thinking on his commutes from Manchester to Boston on Fridays that if something like 9/11 had happened, which was rather difficult to pull off, how easy it could be to blow up a tunnel or the subway or a bridge. “It shattered this innocence,” he said. “You could never go back.” He and a fellow teacher tried to put the event in historical context, comparing it to other defining moments in U.S. historyPearl Harbor, JFK’s assassination and Martin Luther King’s assassination. For students and adults, the 9/11 attacks were hard to wrap their minds around. Information shortly after the first attack was limited. Bruce Berk recalled his reaction when he was first told. “My first reaction, in my head, was what kind of idiot would fly their plane into the World Trade Center… I thought it was a small passenger plane. And then Mrs. Wall came back in pretty quickly and said there’s a second plane that flew into the World Trade Center. So then of course we knew something was wrong.” Laptops were not prevalent at the time and smart phones were a thing that belonged in spy movies, so students didn’t really see any video of the planes during the school day. According to Mr. Berk, the school only had one television set. At the end of the day, an impromptu assembly was held. Mr. Berk continues: “We brought everyone together, we talked about what happened. To tell the truth, I don’t remember who led the assembly… I know we sang America the Beautiful, which was very powerful. And I’m pretty sure Pledge Allegiance to the Flag. And then people went home. It was very somber.” Today, September 12th, we as a school will reflect on these events. We will sing “America the Beautiful” in its full version. Some in the school were barely one when the attacks occurred. But please take some time to remember the victims of the attack and the brave men and women who risked their own lives to save others. Take a moment to help someone today in honor of those who died saving others. Take a moment to remember that the tragedy is not the only thing that should be remembered. The selfless acts of heroism are as much a part of that day as the attacks. So, please, take a moment to remember. Source of Statistics: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9-11