The Lamplighter, 11/4/2011

Lamplighter November 4th, 2011

Accreditation 2011

Lamplighter

Meg Huckaby Derryfield had some visitors during the week of October 24th whose mission was to reaccredit the school. The visitors served as a panel of school administrators evaluating Derryfield as part of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation process.

NEASC provides accreditation services for over 2000 New England schools, both public and private, and has established a level of acceptable quality for all accredited schools.

Participation is voluntary, but certain criteria exist to deter-

mine which schools are candidates for accreditation. Derryfield participates in the accreditation process every ten years as a way of evaluating how well Derryfield is functioning.

This in-depth self-study process usually takes 18 months (essentially two academic years), and this is Derryfield‟s 4th time participating in such an evaluation.

Students will notice the obvious parts of this process (the days we had off this year and the visiting panel), but the accreditation process affects our school in more discreet ways as well.

The faculty engaged in a

Photo: http://www.neasc.org/

Continued on pg. 2

Inside this issue:

Open Enrollment

2

News Qs

4

Horoscopes

5

Tour Guiding Report Roz Kennybirch

With the majority of the junior class signing up to be tour guides this year, tour guiding in the Upper School is quickly becoming one of the most popular activities. It is also arguably the activity that gives the most support back to the school.

New junior tour guides seem to be nervous and excited; junior Justice Content says, “I'm excited to get to show people what Derryfield is actual-

ly like.” Naomi Patel, also a junior and a new tour guide, explains that “I was excited to meet the kids, but I was nervous that I would mess up or forget to say something really important.” However, when asked if she would partake in tour guiding next year, she responded with a “Yeah, for sure!”

Returning tour guides share just as much

Inside this issue:

Bachelor + Bachelorette

6

Girls Cross Country

7

Letter from the Editor

8

Continued on pg. 3

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DERRYFIELD NEWS

Accreditation Continued plethora of professional development workshops throughout the whole of last year, which aimed to help the faculty and administration meet the goals they set out to reach after their last NEASC evaluation.

Ms. Shutz voiced that “this examination presents a wonderful opportunity for us to see how well we have advanced… It is both a celebration of our school‟s success and a chance for us to think about how well we are serving the needs of our stu-

dents.”

The needs of the student body have certainly been considered over the past 10 years, particularly in the school‟s effort to offer unique pathways to every student. For example, students now have access to more AP and honors classes, independent studies, and opportunities for global studies.

The visiting committee will submit a report on Derryfield assessing cer-

tain categories designed to targeting compliance with educational standards, while pointing out areas for improvement. Our own Ms. Jipson has visited numerous others schools as a member of a NEASC panel, and when questioned on the experience she remarked that while it was “fascinating to be on panels, it made me love Derryfield even more.”

Effects of the Open Enrollment Policy Maggie Cochrane Since Derryfield has adopted an Open Enrollment Policy in terms of scheduling AP and honors classes, students have been feeling the negative consequences, but everyone in the course can benefit in some way.

The Open Enrollment Policy allows students to override teacher recommendations and enter advanced classes as long as they get a signature from various department heads and teachers. There is a general feeling of a need to take AP courses in order to impress colleges, and this would seem to make the average Derryfielder ecstatic.

However, it can lead to cramped classrooms as more students take more AP courses.

AP Statistics currently has nineteen students, a number that results

in varying levels of ability, according to an anonymous student enrolled in the course. She says “it doesn‟t feel like an AP class.” Similarly, AP English, AP Language and Composition, APUSH, and AP Chemistry all have between sixteen and nineteen students. Mr. Anthony adapts to the large number of students by “break[ing] them into groups” and making adjustments accordingly. “They‟re a good class; of course, not as good as [the other] class,” he jokingly adds.

In short, it might seem that many students only want to take AP courses to benefit their transcripts.

Mr. Berk offers a different view on APs and college. As a college counselor, he suggests that there is a lot of hype surrounding AP courses: “The most branded

colleges demand a strong AP profile. But I think there are lots of great colleges that if you took 1-2 AP courses per year, you‟d be working plenty hard. I think high school is about learning the skills to be successful in college, not about how many APs you take…. High School is supposed to be challenging, not miserable.”

Unless students take Mr. Berk‟s advice, AP classes may continue to become larger and larger.

Mrs. KeefeHancock, Director of Academic Scheduling, reports: “AP U.S. [History] is huge, because we needed Pook to teach a Euro class.”

In short, it comes down to staffing. It is difficult to find teachers as talented as our current group, evident from the staff changes in the language and science depart-

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Photo taken at Tour Guiding Information Meeting

Tour Guides Continued love for their school as the newer guides. Sarah Blaisdell, a Head Tour Guide and a “lifer” at DS, shares one of her moments of nostalgia when tour guiding. She says, “My most memorable tour so far was actually my first ever tour last year. I was so nervous, but it ended up being a family interested in musical theatre, something that is so my forte, and I was able to easily just talk about everything I enjoyed. Without that tour I think it would have been harder for me to get comfortable in that kind of situation.”

When asked about talking at open houses as opposed to leading tours, Sarah claims that she “prefer(s) giving tours because not only are they less stressful, it is also much more oneon-one. Although I do love overseeing other tours and assigning tours to a tour guide who fits, I enjoy being able to just talk with a family myself a lot more.”

AP Classes Continued ments in recent years. Any increase in staff and/or decrease in class sizes would require a “dramatic increase in enrollment,” says Bouton.

Derryfield already seems to be full to capacity; it is harder and harder to find a seat for assembly or get through the ever-crowded freshmen hallway.

However, AP classes may be the opportunity cer-

tain students need to excel.

Mr. Bouton, Interim Head of the Upper School, said that being admitted into an AP class was a “defining moment” for him. In his high school, a particular advanced English class was capped at twenty-six students. The professor came up to Mr. Bouton and told him that he was number twentyseven. The professor was willing to take a chance and admit

him into the course, and sure enough, Mr. Bouton has become an English teacher. AP courses might do more than simply “look good” on college transcripts; even if levels of ability vary, it might be the number twenty-sevens that will benefit the most.

Corrections News In the Exchange Student Article, a student‟s name was misprinted. She is Vivien, not Victoria.

Sports The Varsity Golf team was Patrick McGinley, Aly Reichheld (captain), Molly Fitzpatrick, Peter Thompson, Matt Sherman, Mike Salerni, and Luke DeNoble. Aly Reichheld and Molly Fitzpatrick were especially influential to the teams season.

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NEWS Qs Jesse Fortier Q: What is it is like as a “lifer” in your final year at Derryfield?

A: “It feels good. It feels like an accomplishment, but it also feels sad because I‟ll be leaving a lot of good people I know.” –Michael Bradley A: It‟s pretty sweet. I mean I like it here and all, but it‟s going to be nice to go somewhere else for a change.” –Tessa Greer A: “It‟s kind of nostalgic. It‟s kind of scary that this is my last year; I have been here for seven years, but I‟m ready for a change.” –Ben Moll A: “It‟s bittersweet, because I‟m ready to move on, but it‟s sad to be leaving people I have known since I was young.” -Amanda van Duren A: “It will be nice to finally go to a new school. I guess it‟s weird that this is my last year here, since I have been here a really long time.” –Alex Camerino A: “It feels good. It‟s been fun, but I‟m ready to leave.” –Margaux Joselow A: “It‟s frightening because I will be going somewhere where I won‟t know everyone in my classes. I won‟t know what people are going to say in class. It will be strange to leave a place where I‟ve been for a really long time, but I‟m excited for the new opportunities I will have. It‟s a step towards the real world.” –Ryan Stevenson A: “It‟s weird because you think about being here for seven years of your life and you become accustomed to something and it‟s all going to change when you leave.” -Sarah Blaisdell A: “It‟s difficult to imagine going to a school next year that isn‟t Derryfield, but I am excited to leave the bubble that DS has created and to meet new people and see new places.” –Cassie Bryan A: “I‟m kind of ready to be done. On the one hand I will miss the class; however being in the same place forever is drainer. It feels like I‟ve been here forever. The concept of not being at Derryfield is very strange.” –Andrew Voss

HUMAN INTEREST

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Horoscopes Hannah Spierer Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): As Mars begins to make its way into your emotional sphere, be prepared for a stressful week. But stay calm! Work hard to meet deadlines and keep a positive attitude.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): Something fabulous will occur in your life at the end of the week, but don‟t get your hopes up. Too much optimism may ruin the whole surprise.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Take a break, Capricorn! You have been working so hard lately, so it‟s time to treat yourself to something relaxing. As Saturn‟s rings begin to align with the Sun, your mind will want to focus on unwinding from the week, and you deserve it.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): You may be feeling like you missed out on a big event, but don‟t let it get you down. Other opportunities will arise in the future.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20): Expect a great surprise for your future. This is a once-in-alifetime chance, so don‟t miss out on it.

Aries (March 21 – April 19): You‟ve been a bit pessimistic lately, and you need to have more of an open mind. This could be your chance to pounce on a wonderful experience.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): This week, you‟ve been looking too hard for the answers to your questions. Instead, let life take its course, and everything will work out the way it should.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20): It‟s time to reassess your hatred towards a specific person. If they betrayed you in the past or left you with a broken heart, try to forgive and forget. Make friends, not enemies.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Money is coming your way! Keep working hard and stay positive and you will be successful over time.

Leo (July 23 – August 22): A recent falling out with a friend has left you upset and you‟re not really sure what to do. Try to make things better with your friend and work towards repairing your relationship.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22): Now would be a good time to start a community service project. As Mercury moves into your creative sphere, get some friends together and make a difference!

Libra (September 23 – October 22): If you‟re feeling as though nothing is going well in your life, try to look at the positives in your life right now, and look to make improvements. Keep a positive attitude and don‟t give up, Libra!

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Bachelor and Bachelorette Leah DeWitt and Celine Boutin

Gus Davis What would be your perfect first date?

Paranormal Activity 3 What do you look for in an ideal significant other?

Smartness and a sense of humor What are your best qualities?

The Beard You are on a deserted island and can bring only three things... what are they?

1. My Benz 2. My other Benz 3. My other other Benz What is your favorite pickup line?

Are you one of Halley's? Be cause something this good only comes around every 50 years...

What is your favorite thing to do on a Friday night?

Bro out

Becca Powell What would be your perfect first date?

Anything but scary movies... I HATE scary movies. Something exciting yet romantic; maybe along the lines of cow tipping?

What do you look for in an ideal significant other?

A hot bod...DUH. And maybe a personality I guess...

What are your best qualities?

My Carharts.

You are on a deserted island and can bring only three things... what are they?

My tractor...my other tractor...and...my other other tractor.

What is your favorite pickup line?

Well I don't have a favorite per se but for the record, any pickup line about a comet will make a girl vomit.

What is your favorite thing to do on a Friday night?

Bro out

DERRYFIELD SPORTS

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Cross Country Girls Take the Gold Home Cait Gillett This year‟s Girls Cross Country team pushed each other to set new records throughout the season and was successful in becoming the Class S champions. They also took second place in their state championships. As the season progressed, the new freshman showed their skills and, as a result, the whole team improved their speed.

Runner Steph Simonoff ‟13 said that the team‟s success was “wicked good! It's about the team,

and we were victorious boys and girls alike.” While the sport may seem to be about the individual, the team is bonded and united.

As the season came to a close, the team looked to a grueling championship race.

Jessa Fogel ‟13 expresses her first impressions of the race: “The course was what I would call „classic‟ cross country because it had a little bit of everything: roads; tight, narrow woods sections; hills, and flats. But the girls really ran strong and we placed three DS run-

ners in the top three spots.”

The champion Cross Country girls will not lose any seniors next year, a valuable asset for the team.

Yet, as freshman Casey Hecox states, “The guys‟ team will get hit hard because of all of the seniors leaving, so we could definitely work on that.” The Cross Country team is excited to keep running hard and bonding even more as their season comes to a close.

Do You Want to be a Sports Writer?

Contact Ben Moll, Sports Section Editor, at 12bmoll@derryfield.org

Thanks to our contributors!

Editor in Chief: Maggie Cochrane Managing Editor: Rachel McCoy News Editor: Roz Kennybirch Human Interest Editor: Jessa Fogel Sports Editor: Ben Moll Photography Editor: Raabia Malik Copy Editor: Molly Ferguson Writers: Meg Huckaby, Jesse Fortier, Hannah Spierer, Celine Bouton, Leah DeWitt, and Cait Gillett

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Congratulations Cross Country Girls!

Runners Casey Hecox and Jessa Fogel in the Granite State Championships.

Hecox took first place.

(Photo by Greene)

Letter from the Editor My weekend began pretty well – what four-day weekend wouldn‟t? I was editing this week‟s issue and everything was working… until the power went out. I‟m sure we‟ve all adapted to power outages; they‟re not uncommon in the midst of old New Hampshire. But before now I‟ve never had to deal with a deadline at the same time.

My dad is a software engineer and knows lots of fun internet tricks, such as letting the internet run on a battery for about thirty minutes when the power goes out. This meant I only had half an hour to send all articles and photos to be edited. I got them there, but after that the issue came to a halt: no internet means no Lamplighter.

I‟ve always been baffled by how much technology we use. More specifically, it‟s amazing how much technology we can use at once. At DS, it seems that everyone has snazzy touch-screen phones and the latest Apple product. Is this fair? What do other students in other schools do? And how will all of these gadgets affect the future of our own school?

In my opinion, technology is overused and abused in our society. It‟s true that I‟m currently typing on a computer, but the outcome is going to turn into something that (hopefully) others will read and respond to. Call me a killjoy, but while games and apps are fun, I think they‟re a bit distracting. We are becoming a generation of consumers who need to be entertained constantly. I feel like I‟m missing something about the benefits of gaming.

The Lamplighter will be giving regular reports and opinions about the technology question at Derryfield. I invite you to enlighten me and other readers: what is it about digital entertainment that is so necessary to society? What does technology mean to you? How can we use what we have to increase productivity?

Thank you for reading the Lamplighter! I hope you enjoy this issue. Hopefully, the weather will be on our side in terms of our next publishing deadline.

Maggie Cochrane Editor in Chief