June 2013
BERWICK A C A D E M Y
1791 L e t t e r
Class of 2013 Graduation | June 8, 2013
1791 Letter ~June 2013
1
MESSAGE F R O M
I write this June edition of the 1791 letter sitting in my hotel room at Georgetown University in Washington D.C., as I am completing a conference on leading communities of diversity and inclusion for Heads of School. It has been an eye-opening experience for me, and one that has been filled with leadership insights as we prepare to move Berwick Academy forward in this area in the coming years. A gathering such as this one, which is populated by Heads of School from some of the absolute finest boarding and day schools in the country, only renews my sense that diversity work at Berwick Academy is not only essential to our mission but will be critical in realizing our vision of becoming known as a truly “nationally excellent” school. As parents, you may or may not be aware that taking a step forward in the realm of diversity was one of the major recommendations of our recent NEASC accreditation process this past year. In response to this useful call to action, we are planning to launch the Assessment of Inclusivity and Multiculturalism (AIM) from the National Association of Independent School (NAIS) next fall. This tool will be comprised of both quantitative constituent surveys and qualitative focus groups with a variety of perspectives on campus. The goal of this work will be to assess the areas of strength and weakness within our community in the realm of diversity and inclusion. My sense is that we will have our eyes opened to some of the challenges members of our community 2
Greg Schneider
Head of School
face with issues of race, socioeconomic class, and other issues related to being different from the cultural norm here. I also believe that we will be validated by the pervasive sense of respect and culture of acceptance that we do enjoy for all of our children on the Hilltop. Much of the work I have done here has focused on building my own sense of cultural competency, so that I might lead our community in this realm more effectively. My sense is that for a number of reasons, Berwick has been a bit sluggish in diving into a serious diversity conversation based on the perceived limitations of our homogenous day school geography in Southern Maine. One critical takeaway from my work here in the nation’s capital has been understanding that one actually can become more skilled at diversity work through training. Too often we think about diversity work as being about identity rather than skills. The reality is that all people, regardless of their ethnicity or other diversity indicator, have much to learn by understanding and appreciating the lenses of difference we all bring to the enterprise of education. People from diverse backgrounds can be unskilled at leading diversity conversations, and people from backgrounds of privilege can become insightful diversity leaders. Perhaps more important than the self-analysis and reflection I have done about my personal layers of bias and privilege, I have had a chance to do some useful thinking about why diversity work should be compelling to the Berwick Academy community specifically. Our hope next year is to 1791 Letter ~June 2013
move from the data collection of AIM in the fall to creating an actual plan for diversity work that will become one pillar of our overall Long Range Plan. I hold such a strong belief that our commitment to diversity at Berwick must be customized, catered, and measurable against goals that can be realistically achieved in our community. However, I believe we are at a moment when we will move away from a “deficit” based paradigm to an “asset” based paradigm. While I believe many, myself included, have felt almost defensive about our limitations to embrace diversity here, the reality is that we have so much potential to leverage the difference that exists in the Seacoast in becoming an even stronger school in the future. I will outline three reasons here why I think we should all be excited by and committed to this journey that lies before us. Diversity is central to the original mission of Berwick Academy. As you all know, the concepts of virtue and useful knowledge are the timeless building blocks of our institutional mission. While I am sure many could see how deeper work in building our capacity to appreciate and understand difference relates to the teaching of virtue and character education, I believe the pragmatic argument for useful knowledge is even more compelling. As we continue to forge ahead on important conversations about 21st century skills, innovation, and creativity, I believe that building cultural competency will be an essential ingredient for the success of our graduates in the future. They are going to be asked to collaborate,
BERWICK A C A D E M Y communicate, network, and problem solve in a workplace that has truly exploded in terms of its diversity. Simply being able to function well within the culture of the Seacoast will not be enough to prepare them for the global and connected world they will enter. This reality is true for every great independent school in this country. Given the limitations inherent in our location, we need to be that much better at teaching your students how to succeed in a global economy. We cherish and celebrate the connection between our school and the qualities of the Seacoast. Just as we aspire to be a nationally excellent school, we want to be the only school that can combine this with what we love most about this region: balance, perspective, authenticity, and quality of life for our families. For all of these strengths, we would be hard pressed to describe our region as racially and ethnically diverse. Thus, to prepare our students well for the most diverse colleges in the country, we need to become more proactive and intentional with our academic program. The addition of Mandarin and current work being done on connecting travel to our curriculum are great examples of initiatives that are already underway in this regard. We need to turn a relative weakness in our market image into a market strength. Those of us who now know this community well understand it to be a place of incredible acceptance, support, and respect. Yet we also know that out in the public arena we are equally likely to be known as a school for the elite and the wealthy alone. We also know that there are more talented students and families of color in our catchment area who do not consider Berwick Academy as a viable option for their family. We must be careful
not to assume that the primary reason is financial (which is admittedly a concern for all types of families). Many rationalize a decision to keep their children in public school because Berwick Academy is “a bubble” or not “the real world.” While I am not sure the goal is to have Berwick Academy become “the real world,” it absolutely should be our goal to become a school of choice for diverse families in the region. We should aspire to be the day school choice for Seacoast families in comparison to the public and parochial options. While the realistic goal is clearly not to become as diverse as a boarding school, for example, we could become known as the most inclusive day school in the region as opposed to the most exclusive. I am careful not to substitute the word “selective” for “exclusive” in the prior sentence. Berwick Academy wants to be in the position to pick and choose the very best students in the Seacoast - which should be defined by the guidance of our mission and core values rather than demographics alone. We also know strong students occasionally choose a boarding environment over Berwick (or choose to leave the Hilltop) on account of a desire for more diversity. While I want to be careful not to be unrealistic about whom we might become, I do want to make a strong case for why these initiatives are worthwhile for our mission, for our region, and for our long-term financial sustainability and reputation in this area. Clearly I did not choose to move my own family from the metropolitan New York area to South Berwick, ME in search of greater diversity. While I have deep experience in working with financial aid over my career, I do not see myself as particularly skilled nor qualified in becoming an expert voice on this topic based on my own 1791 Letter ~June 2013
1791 Letter
identity and relative lack of training. However, I am charged to set a course for the future of this school that will lead to success not just next year but fifty years and one hundred years from now. I am steadfast in my belief that additional work in this area will allow us to deliver our mission of virtue and useful knowledge more effectively to our students, and it will position us to become known as the nationally excellent institution that I believe we are becoming. I look forward to some of the hard work and difficulty conversations that lie ahead. I hope you would agree that it will be worth the effort for the most important constituency and of all: the students of Berwick Academy. Notes: The Schneiders wish you a wonderful and relaxing summer filled with family, friends, and a Seacoast adventure or two.
3
Shiela Esten - Upper School Director
It’s hard to know where to start when recapping this year in the Upper School. While it has been the most unusual of years in terms of strange and unforeseen experiences in the shape of odd weather events, rogue wildlife appearances, the inconveniences and concern imposed by fires, and a number of sobering losses in our community, the irrepressible spirit of our students and faculty is evident in the myriad of incredibly affirming successes we experienced throughout, and particularly in our final culminating celebrations. The clear and resounding message we take away is that the work we do on behalf of students – and more importantly, the efforts of the students themselves, are truly remarkable. If you were able to attend either Baccalaureate or Commencement, you heard tale after tale of the accomplishments of this Berwick community. When Salutatorian, Jamie Meader, got ready to polish and deliver his commencement address, he expressed concern that everything he wanted to say had been said already. If you know Jamie, however, you know without having even been there that his devotion to his class and to his school was expressed with unparalleled eloquence. This was an exceptional senior class. Not only did they achieve their own lofty goals in the form of college acceptances and in whole-heartedly pursuing and accomplishing their personal goals, they did this with an irrepressible can-do spirit. They truly never wavered in the face of any of the 4
Upper School News
aforementioned disturbances. Instead, they banded together with what seemed at times to be a preternatural understanding of the power of embracing all that their senior year had to offer. It’s hard not to believe that the foundation for such a steady approach had been solidly set from the beginning by a powerful combination of parental support, faculty challenging, prodding and nurturing, and their own moral compasses. The result is truly the most humbling feeling of pride. As these seniors make their way off the stage and into the next phase of their experiences, it’s clear that they’ve set a high bar. What’s most exciting about that as we move forward is the gracious invitation they’ve extended to the underclassmen to rise to similar heights. The true power of this class has not been just in their accomplishments, but in their setting the kind of example that says, “You can do it too. Embrace the opportunities you have before you, and let’s talk several years from now about how fortunate we were to be in a place, surrounded by people, who believed in us.” The junior class just returned from their rafting trip led by Grade Dean, Peter Lassey, and a group of his colleagues. The energetic good will the faculty experienced suggests that this next senior class is well poised to forge their own meaningful final Berwick chapter. In the meantime, the Upper School faculty has just wrapped up a week of final meetings that were also affirming in nature. Berwick 1791 Letter ~June 2013
students and faculty certainly live the “stretching through engagement” core value to its fullest, and the summer will provide some much needed time for the changing of gears and some reflection, but as I close out my first year in this community, I can see clearly see what makes it so powerful. I thank you for that, and wish you all a wonderful summer.
Rosemary Zurawel - Middle School Director
The French have a wonderful series of ways to say, “Good-bye.” There are those which signal that time apart will be brief: “À tout l’heure,” “À bientôt,” mean “In a while,” and “See you soon,” respectively. For a longer period of time, “Au revoir,” captures the notion of “Until we see one another again.” However, the final, very final closing is, “Adieu,” which indicates that our next meeting will be before God. Naturally, this final month has arrived with some weighty moments for bidding a farewell to students, families, and faculty members. Those moments have been sometimes lightened by humor and always by my profound gratitude for the time we have shared. After forty years in education, my leaving Berwick comes with a raft of happy memories. Some of these have faces and names of children being their wondrous selves: goofy, serious, and inquisitive. Other memories are more parent-like as I have tried to straighten paths for children towards the building of good character. A long-ago parent once repeated to me a statement I’d forgotten I had said to her at a time of tension, “I’ll just love them until they’re good.” I hope my interactions with your children have been underscored by the love I have for them. Gratitude for the opportunity to add my work to the history of this school is difficult to quantify, however, there are, in my career, times of work in public education that taught me much. There were the years in a rural community beset by poverty. One boy who was often absent when hunting
Middle School News season and fishing season started told me, “I didn’t get a deer this fall, but no matter. My mom makes the best squirrel stew you ever eat.” A classroom of students that included those whose morning chores included mucking out barns brings me memories of the smells of a barnyard. There are some uncomfortable memories that include my having been assaulted by an angry child and ending up in an emergency room. I have other memories of the children in one district who arrived in October when camping areas closed and who were gone by Memorial Day with their transient parents who could not afford “seasonal” rates. Some of those 13 and 14 year-olds were the victims of physical and sexual abuse. When these teens became young single mothers, a friend and I would show them how to bake cookies or to read aloud to their babies. I mentored a young teen whose father was unknown and whose mother died of acute alcoholism. I accompanied her to court hearings, and celebrated her graduation from eight and twelfth grades; the first in her family. Berwick has been my refuge from caring too much and facing my powerlessness against social and economic hardships that I could not change. One thing I remember most fondly about those years is that in each district, I read aloud to teens who would beg for more stories. Such a small thing that may have offered them an escape from their all too “real” lives; I am grateful for those tough and heartbreaking years.
have spent much time in my life, are physically demonstrative when greeting and separating. Kisses, one on each cheek, which I remember from my childhood, are now given in groups of three. I compare that gesture with my time in Japan researching for my dissertation. There, it is the deepest bow held long that represents one’s effort to demonstrate respect. As opposite as these customs may seem, the affection that each conveys is human and profound. Thus far I have remained dryeyed and purposeful. The final turn of the key in the lock of the office door will not happen until the 28th of the month. I will look back then. I will not sever the ties of love that have bound me to the children, families, and faculty. No “Adieu” will escape my lips, but a sweet “Au revoir” and a heartfelt “Merci.”
The French, with whom I 1791 Letter ~June 2013
5
Joel Hawes - Lower School Director
The calendar date of June 30, 2013 will mark the conclusion of my tenth year as Lower School Director. That milestone, coupled with my daughter’s recent graduation from Berwick after entering as a third grader ten years ago, has prompted my understandable reflection on the journey of time. Whether it is July 1, 2003 or June 30, 2013, I have been consistently committed to developing and promoting the value of a BA elementary-level education over the past decade. With my recent review of all Lower School third trimester report card narratives and with my appreciation for the individual student growth and collective program development described within these transcripts, I find myself in that interesting position of considering the past, enjoying the present, and anticipating years to come. Clearly, my amazement with time is not unique. We are all equally connected to its passage. Yet, as a school administrator, I find myself dealing with its implications all of the... time (sorry). An important job description as Division Director involves working magic with our daily, weekly, and yearlong schedule in order to incorporate all objectives necessary within our curriculum: a fixed schedule that also allows for spontaneous teachable moments and flexible special events.... Within this schedule, the Lower School faculty continually focuses on our students’ growth in the present moment, while respecting past developments and maintaining an appreciation for myriad future developments. Surrounded by 6
Lower School News
an incredible faculty, staff, and parent group, I appreciate my role in that student development process. The 2012-13 academic year ended on June 6. We also held our Division’s version of a graduation ceremony (our Closing Recognition Assembly) on that date. It was a morning assembly complete with a variety of remembrances for the past year highlighted by Mark Summers and Roz Witherbee recognizing each of our thirty-one “graduating” fourth grade students. It was appropriate, within our Division’s approach, to give equal time and attention to each child. Thirty one students, thirty-one stories. Additionally, I appreciated the fourth grade teachers’ remarks in highlighting the students’ passage through the Lower School as they readied themselves to depart our Division—a series of events and initiatives made possible by the care given to them by a supportive faculty/staff group. Taking the time to honor our students at a formal gathering, such as the Closing Recognition Assembly, is crucial. Yet, this moment was built on many equally important interactions that supported the growth of our students throughout their Lower School experience. At this time, I would like to offer a final “thank you” to the parents within our Lower School community for their meaningful exchanges at formal and informal parent-teacher conferences, during classroom-specific and division-wide events, and throughout the myriad other solo and shared experiences that have 1791 Letter ~June 2013
led to this moment. All of our stories, built over days, months, and years, represent the culmination of time well spent within our Division. The results inspire me as I look forward to a summer of planning and preparation (and rest) in great anticipation for the 2013-2014 academic year.
Rob Quinn - Athletic Director
Spring Sports – Two Undefeated Regular Seasons for Baseball & Girls Lacrosse. The Baseball and Girls Lacrosse team had amazing undefeated regular seasons this spring, winning their EIL Championships. The Girls Lacrosse had many come from behind, last minute victories that made their season special and memorable. The Baseball team had another stellar year picking right up where they left off last spring, winning the EIL Championship and getting all the way to the NEPSAC final game. Boy’s Cross Country - Head Coach Jon Davie: jdavie@berwickacademy.org Preseason: Practices begin on Monday, August 26 and run through Wednesday, August 28 from 5-6:30 p.m. Girl’s Cross Country - Head Coach Amy Trueworthy: atrueworthy@berwickacademy.org Preseason: Practices begin on Monday, August 26 and run through Wednesday, August 28 from 5-6:30 p.m. Golf - Coach John Downey: jdowney@berwickacademy.org Golf try-outs will be the first and second days of school. Any student interested in a try-out opportunity, please contact Coach Downey before mid-August. If you are serious about playing golf, you should be playing a lot this summer. Our home course is The Ledges in York and you may want to play there a few times to familiarize yourself with the course. The try-outs will be played on the front nine. If you have any questions or concerns contact John Downey at 207-478-3444.
Athletics News
Boy’s Soccer - Coach Patrick Connolly : pconnolly@berwickacademy.org Summer: Tuesday night soccer on July 30, August 6 & 13 from 6:15-7:45. Team Prep Camp departing at noon from Gym on August 19 and returning on August 23 at noon Mandatory Preseason evening sessions (varsity candidates only): Monday, August 26 5:30-7pm, Tuesday, August 27 scrimmage vs. TBD 5:30, Wed 5:30-7 p.m., Thursday 5:30-7 p.m. (only Juniors & Seniors). These sessions are for anyone looking to try-out for the varsity team. Tryouts will continue during the first week of school. Note: During this week we will have scrimmage vs TBD on Tuesday, August 27. There will be a select number of players chosen to attend this contest. That will be determined at Monday, August 26 practice. Girl’s Soccer - Head Coach Travis Derr: tderr@berwickacademy.org Summer: The girls will be playing on campus a few evenings this summer starting June 30. Please email coach Derr if you are interested in attending so you are included on emails that will have more details or cancellations if necessary. This is a great way to get together and allow new and returning students to connect before classes and to work on skills before the start of the season. Varsity candidates will be attending a camp at the University of New England from August 2-4 and attending a Jamboree at Marshwood High School on August 24. If you are interested in either of these events 1791 Letter ~June 2013
please email Coach Derr. Preseason: Varsity candidates will be expected to attend Preseason on August 22-23, August 26-27, and a home scrimmage on the 28th vs Noble High School. There is a tentative practice fon August 29 for upperclassmen. Field Hockey - Head Coach Tracey Boucher: tracey.boucher@berwickacademy.org Summer: Starting Monday, June 17 we will be teaming up with girls from St. Thomas to compete with others from Marshwood, York, and Dover in our summer league pick-up games. We will have games every Monday through July 29 with the exception of Monday July 22. We will compete at an assigned time at either 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. In addition to our Monday summer league pick up games, a reminder that a field hockey camp will be hosted at Berwick Academy, July 22-26. The camp will go from 5-8 p.m. We will be looking for at least 2 goalies! If you decide to attend a camp and are interested in being a goalie, let us know; we might be able to help you with equipment. Preseason: We encourage players at all levels to attend preseason, and it is mandatory for anyone hoping to make the Varsity team. We will be here on campus on August 22 & 23 from 8:3010:30 a.m. and August 26-28 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Please let me know if you will be unable to attend pre-season. Summer Camps - This summer, Berwick has again joined forces with the Seacoast United Soccer Club to offer a Training Academy for continued on pg 10... 7
you gotta have Arts
Deloris White - Fine Arts Director
Music Applied Music—Chip Harding will be responsible for coordinating the applied music lessons for the 2013-2014 school year. Please note that all private music lesson inquiries should be directed to him. Festival Information—Upper School student musicians who are interested in auditioning for the district and state honors festivals should check the appropriate websites for specific requirements. We recommend that students start working on the music during the summer. Auditions will take place in October and November. Please remember that students must be enrolled in a music class at Berwick in order to audition or participate in a music festival in the Upper School. Maine Allstate Music Festival (Band, Orchestra, and Chorus) Audition Information: http://www.allstateauditions.com/ mmea/auditions/auditioninfo.htm Maine Jazz Allstate Audition Information: http://www.mainemmea.org/stateevents/jazz-all-state-auditions/ Maine District One Honors Music Festival Audition Information: http://mmead1.org/Maine_Music_ Educators_Association_District_1/ HS_Fest_Aud_13.html 8
Please note that there will be no
Arts News
string orchestra at the district festival this year. String students may sign up to participate in the Fall Orchestra Festival at UNH. For more information, check this website http://www.unh.edu/music/ index.cfm?ID=3E114624-B244-B8EC75043681D0D81032 and contact your string teacher. Visual Art Summer Workshops—This summer several of Berwick’s Upper School art students will be pursuing opportunities in summer programs, projects, and internships in the arts. Kenzie Levy is travelling to London this summer on a National Geographic Student Photography Workshop, and Lily Spearman will be at Parsons School of Art and Design. Julia Kokernak will continue her study of drawing and painting in North Shore gallery classes and Natalia Suraci has been accepted for an internship in Don Gorvett’s Portsmouth printmaking studio. Theater
Arsenic and Old Lace, the comedy
hit by Joseph Kesselring will usher in the Berwick Academy performing arts season when the US Drama Department stages this classic Friday and Saturday, November 7 and 8 in Fogg Memorial. High School Musical, Jr , will be presented by the Middle School Friday and Saturday, November 22 and 23 in the Patricia Baldwin Whipple Arts Center. The Upper School will offer Guys & Dolls , a musical fable of Broadway, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, Friday and Saturday, 1791 Letter ~June 2013
February 28 and March 1, 2014. The student-directed Spring One Acts will wrap up the season on Friday, May 30, 2014. Final Chapter This is my final 1791 Letter as the Fine Arts Director. It has been my pleasure to oversee the programs in the visual and performing arts for nineteen years. Every aspect of the programs in visual art, music, theater, and dance has developed and changed in numerous ways during this time under the guidance of committed highly professional teachers and directors. I am now excited to have the opportunity to concentrate on the Lower School art program PK through grade four. It will truly be a gift to have the time to devote to my teaching and my students. I am equally excited to be working with Seth Hurd as the Director of Visual & Performing Arts and to turn the departmental leadership in the performing arts over to Seth as well. I am equally confident that as visual arts department head, Raegan Russell will carefully guide the visual arts program PK through PG. I am thankful to the Trustees, Administration, my colleagues, students, and parents for the challenges and opportunities I have experienced wearing my many Berwick hats over the past thirty-three years. And…the beat goes on.
BPC Notes - from the BPC Board Members
BPC Board update We extend our heartfelt appreciation for the time and effort put forth by all of our BPC board members. They work tirelessly throughout the year to organize events and volunteers, fundraise, and provide a year full of outstanding enrichment events for our children. Finishing their term on June 30 are: • Andrea Bristol – Upper School Coordinator • Jessica Hersey – Lower School Coordinator • Jennifer Johnson - Secretary • Pamela Oberg – Communications Coordinator I would also like to thank all of the members of the Berwick Parent Community for participating in the vote that unanimously approved our slate of new board members for next year. The Board for 2014-2014 is as follows: • • • • • • • • •
• • •
Parent Community News Grant Coordinator: Nickie Gaudette President – BPC Arts: Robin Merrow President – BPC Athletics: Tyler Bristol 1791 Trail Run
A huge congratulations to Tyler Bristol and his team of BPC Athletics Boosters for running an incredibly smooth (albeit HOT), Inaugural 1791 Trail Run! Over 50 runners/walkers participated on the trail and the run was preceded by a Kid’s Fun Run as well. It was an overwhelming success! BPC Grants The BPC Grant proposal “season” has come and gone. We received 41 qualified requests for the $28,000 that we had to donate to faculty/staff enrichment initiatives. As always, the requests were varied in scope and dollars requested. Grant Coordinator Nickie Gaudette has recently distributed the acceptance and regret letters to the applicants and when you return in the fall you will see many of these initiatives already underway. A full list of the projects funded will appear in the September issue of this publication. Wishing you an enjoyable summer! Diane Walker BPC President
President: Diane Walker Vice President: Darlene Saltz Secretary: Donna Copani Treasurer: Suzanne Miller Lower School Coordinator: Jan Nedelka Open Middle School Coordinator: Heather Case and Jacqueline Chauvin Upper School Coordinator: Mary Beth Herbert and Bernadette Randle Communications Coordinator: Pamela Oberg Fundraising Coordinator: Jane Oldfield-Spearman 1791 Letter ~June 2013
9
Athletics News...cont. from pg 7
experienced travel and club players to be held at Berwick Academy. This camp will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will include lunch in the Berwick Academy Commons dining hall. SUSC coaches, comprised of full time staff, international coaches, and current college players, will focus on individual skills and tactics building up to game play in the evenings. SUSC will mix top level skill development with fun and challenging games. There will be two sessions offered this summer; July 8-12 and July 15-19. We are partnering with Lighthouse Lacrosse this summer for a girls lacrosse camp from July 29-August 1. Mary Squire is the Director of the camp and Head Coach of the recently crowned state champion Portsmouth High School Girls Varsity Lacrosse team. Coach Squire will be a new Berwick parent in the fall with two children attending the Middle School. Fall Sports - Middle School and Junior Varsity sports begin on the first day of school, Tuesday, September 3. Varsity sports begin on Thursday, August 22, for most teams. Athletes trying out for varsity teams should make every effort to attend these practices. This is an important conditioning and learning period. Those athletes who cannot attend should contact the coach. Regular season practice for all teams will begin on the first day of classes.
Annual proceeds from this tournament have benefited Berwick athletes and the Athletic Department, including improvements to our athletic fields, two new indoor scoreboards, construction of the girls softball field, fencing around the baseball field and dug outs, netting on the soccer and lacrosse fields, and most recently our new custom Trophy Case in the Athletic Center. For more information go to www.berwickacademy.org or contact Rob Quinn at 207-384-6340 or email rquinn@berwickacademy.org
Spring Sports Awards 2013 UPPER SCHOOL Boys Varsity Lacrosse Girls Varsity Lacrosse Boys Varsity Baseball Girls Varsity Softball Boys Varsity Tennis Girls Varsity Tennis Boys JV Blue Lacrosse Boys JV White Lacrosse Girls JV Lacrosse Boys JV Baseball Boys JV Tennis Girls JV Tennis Crew Boys Crew Girls Girls Golf
MVP
COACH’S AWARD
Sam Hereford Kaitlyn Wurzer Conor McFarland Taylor Lyman Chase Rosa Alex Gurrisi Daniel Simmons Sam Zimmerman Samantha Sullivan
Brendan Bradley Aimee Briand Nolan Dow Suzanna Borg Patrick Robb Amy DiLorenzo Jake Horne Nick Wurzer Lydia Waldo & Ellen Lynch Mark Hoyt Ian Randle Aidan Cookson Mason Jaques Emma Marsh Kathleen Chauvin Parker Sikora Clayton Jacques Dana Brooks Claire Breger-Belsky MOST IMPROVED Rachel Hawes US HILLTOP AWARD
Boys Blake Downey
Girls Anna Wright
Fall Schedule - The fall sports schedule is now posted on the Berwick Academy Portal. The schedule is subject to change. Bulldog Golf Classic - The Athletics Boosters are hosting their Annual Bulldog Golf Classic at the Ledges Golf Club in York, Maine, on Thursday, September 26, 2013; it is an 8:30 a.m. Shotgun start. Save the date, and plan to join in the fun with the many members of our Berwick community. 10
continued on pg 14... 1791 Letter ~June 2013
Class of 2013 Baccalaureate
1791 Letter ~June 2013
11
Cindy Briggs - Assistant Head of School
The End-of-School Year Blues For most Berwick students, Thursday, June 6 was one of the happiest days of the year. Some Upper School students were probably even singing the famous line “No more pencils, no more books, no more teacher’s dirty looks” from Alice Cooper’s iconic song “School’s Out for Summer.” But for others, the last day of the school year creates a sense of loss and uncertainty. Parents often try to schedule summer camps, a myriad of play dates, or even a fun family vacation to keep their kids content. But for our youngest group, Lower School students, the break in this day-to-day routine is more discombobulating than one might think. Parents shouldn’t be surprised to hear the utterance of “I wish we could go to school all year” from our youngest community members during these first few transitional weeks. Even though the picture may look a bit different with our Middle School students, some of them are probably disoriented by the vast amount of free time that summer now leaves them. Many are probably spending way too much time in front of their computer screens or hounding parents for rides here and there. Although they would never admit it, they too miss the daily routine that the school day offers. At this point, approximately two weeks out, most Upper School parents are probably frustrated by their students’ inability to get out of bed before noon. Their day-to-day routine probably includes a great deal of lounging around, picking on their younger brother or sister, and trying 12
Wellness News
to figure out daily plans which most likely include the beach, movies, or trips to Portsmouth. This group, like their younger counterparts, is desperately trying to reorient themselves and fill the sudden void that summertime presents. You probably already realize that if any of the aforementioned applies, you have some major summer organization to do. Hopefully this isn’t the case and you have an abundance of ideas, free time, and patience to go along with your student’s summer vacation. The following is a list of Do’s that I’ve complied as a parent of two grown boys. One of which is still a summertime resident because of his college status. DO’s 1. Continue some type of routine such as posting a list of the day’s activities or keeping a weekly calendar of events. 2. Set a simple goal for summer. For me it might be reading a certain number of books, or riding a certain amount of miles on my bike. For your student it might be something similar or very different. The bottom line is that it is wonderful to look back on a period of time and feel a sense of accomplishment. 3. Maintain school year standards with the amount of screen or T.V. time your student is permitted. Bad habits are hard to break once the summertime ends. 4. Maintain a consistent bedtime. Middle and Upper School parents BEWARE this is probably going to be your most challenging, but most important summertime job. I guarantee that you and your student will have a much smoother transition in the fall if stay as consistent as possible with bedtimes. 1791 Letter ~June 2013
5. Encourage your student to try something completely out of their comfort zone. This might be a drama camp, mountain biking camp, or a cooking class. 6. Consider enrolling your student in a summer course that will give them a slight, but helpful edge in the fall. Two examples of this are Mary Anker’s Jump Start camp in July or John Downey’s Study Skills/ Organization camp in August. 7. Schedule dates of completion for summer reading or AP assignments. The MAD August rush will be here before you know it. Don’t let your student wait until the last minute to get their work done. 8. Encourage your student to stay in touch with their friends over the summer… NOT just over FACEBOOK, SKYPE, or Google Chat. Actually encourage them to organize/plan times to get together and do something with their friends. 9. If you don’t already have one, create some type of summertime ritual with your student. My younger son and I hike Mt. Washington. Even though it is a grueling adventure, we experience a momentary wash of mother-son closeness when we are finished. 10. E n g a g e y o u r s t u d e n t i n a conversation about their transition to the next grade level, division level, or college. Their anxiety will slowly increase over the summer months. It is our job as parents to “name it”, reassure them that it is normal, and to assist them in managing it.
Have a wonderful summer! Cindy Briggs
continued on pg 14...
Alice Lynch - School Archivist
During warm July evenings in the 1850’s, graduating seniors, family, and Berwick Academy faculty would gather together for the annual Examination and Exhibition. During this culminating event, every senior ‘exhibited’ what s/ he had learned. As the 1857 exhibition program shows, each senior’s name was listed next to a declamation, composition, rehearsal or dialogue. Prayer, music, and the distribution of the Cogswell prizes were always part of this significant affair.
Archives News
instead of the myriad of college entrance exams that were common practice. Today the terms commencement and diploma are almost synonymous but one hundred thirty years ago these were novel concepts.
Diploma awarded to Ralph S. Bartlett in 1885
Portion of Examination and Exhibition Program, July 21st, 1857
Around the 1880’s Examination and Exhibitions were replaced with Commencements . By this time, the celebration had migrated to the end of June and diplomas had been introduced to the ceremonies. During this era, many educators were advocating for a more standardized curriculum and wanted to utilize the newly created diploma as an admission requirement for colleges,
Commencement activities at Berwick Academy during the end of the nineteenth century contained the following elements: Prayer, Salutatory Address, Class History, Class Prophecy, Valedictorian Address, Class Ode, Music, Award of Medals and Book Prizes, and Presentation of Diplomas. When examining the breadth of topics addressed in these speeches, you can see the vestiges of the Exhibitions common in the early 1800’s. The titles from the 1886 Graduating Exercises were: Ought the State to aid Education?, Joan of Arc, Needs of Ireland, The Indians, and The Washington National Monument. If you are interested in reading some of these early speeches, I encourage you to visit the archives. The class prophecies and odes are also enlightening to peruse. I leave you with the Ode recorded in the Class Evening program from Monday, June 18,1883.
1791 Letter ~June 2013
ODE. ____ As the purple twilight fadeth, To the dusky shades of night: So the memories of our school life Will fade slowly from our sight. O! our happy vanished school days Whither, whither have ye flown? With the sweetest, dearest friendships That we each have ever known. Ye have gone, oh, but too quickly, Since within these walls we met; But our school-mates and our teachers We shall never more forget. Four short years we’ve toiled together, Climbing wisdom’s dizzy height, Till we meet the bond to sever This our graduation night. Tho’ we meet no more as class-mates In these dear old halls again: May the wisdom we have gained here And the friendships, not be vain, As we look into the future Brilliant visions there we see, For the happy, happy class-mates Of the year of ‘83. As the rosy dawn of morning Deepens into perfect day, May our lives grow ever brighter, As the years shall pass away; Even till lifes purple shadows Gather in the glowing West, And together all are garnered In our Fathers home of rest. - Edith Florence Willard
13
Athletics News...cont. from pg 10
NEPSWLA All-Stars Melanie Mait and Kaitlyn Wurzer – Girls Lacrosse
BULLDOG AWARD WINNERS Blake Downey Anna Wright Lydia Waldo Nathalie Peter Katie Peter Ben Muthig Alex Grammenos Sam Hereford
Boston Globe All Scholastic Ricky Kramer – Baseball, EIL MVP Chase Rosa – Boys Tennis, EIL MVP Coach of the Year Mike Hannon – Baseball Kyle Ridgway – Girls Lacrosse
COACH OF THE YEAR IN EIL Mike Hannon Kyle Ridgway Boys Varsity Baseball Girls Varsity Lacrosse EIL MVP BASEBALL Ricky Kramer EIL MVP BOYS TENNIS Chase Rosa MIDDLE SCHOOL Boys Blue Lacrosse Girls Blue Lacrosse Boys White Lacrosse Girls White Lacrosse MS Softball MS Boys Baseball Boys Jack McCraven
COACH’S AWARD Grant Tischner Maeve Brin Jake Donghue Michaela O’Friel Emily Barbour Ben Isaak SPIRIT MS Girls Emma Sattler MS HILLTOP AWARD
Boys Derek Muse
Baseball
Softball Girls Lacrosse
Boys Lacrosse
14
Girls Elsa Grant
EIL ALL LEAGUE First Team: Ricky Kramer, Conor McFarland, Cam Toohey, James Winkler Honorable Mention: Neil Maietta, Alex Grammenos, Nolan Dow First Team: Molly Lapointe, Taylor Lyman Honorable Mention: Suzanna Borg, Sammi Marden First Team: Melanie Mait, Kaitlyn Wurzer, Cora Ordway, Aimee Briand, Emma Brin Honorable Mention: Tatiana Bradley, Natasia Burzynski First Team: Sam Hereford, Will Reis, Brendan Bradley Honorable Mention: Stephen Sherbahn, Liam Darcy
1791 Letter ~June 2013
Woofstock 2013
1791 Letter ~June 2013
15
Jedd Whitlock - Director of Advancement
Alumni and Development News Dear Berwick Parents, With just under two weeks remaining in Berwick’s fiscal year I’d like extend my sincere gratitude to the Berwick families who have already chosen to make a voluntary gift to the Annual Fund. We still need 19 more gifts by June 30, to reach our parent participation goal! You can help us get one step closer by joining these families by making a gift of $17.91 in recognition of Berwick’s founding year. Please consider an online gift at www.berwickacademy.org/giving or you can send a check or credit information to the Development Office here at Berwick. Gifts at all levels make an enormous difference as our number one goal is parent participation--every parent and every dollar is important! If you have any questions or would like to pledge your support, feel free to e-mail or call. Again, many thanks for your support and consideration. Have a wonderful and restful summer! Sincerely, Jenni Franco Assistant Director of Development
16
1791 Letter ~June 2013