June 1791 Letter

June 2011

Berwick A c a d e m y

1791 L e t t e r

2011 Commencement

1791 Letter ~ June 2011

message f r o m

The Alchemy of a Class While I must admit that I thought I would have to dig deeper than usual to get the juices flowing for a bit more writing the day after graduation, the emotional nature of our closing ceremonies has afforded me more than enough inspiration. All three of our closing events (Eighth Grade Baccalaureate, Upper School Baccalaureate, and Commencement) seemed to touch me in special ways this year. There were many reasons for this: great performances, great speeches, great awards – but mostly it was about great individual students coalescing together into great classes of young men and women. It has made me reflect upon Berwick’s ability to facilitate this over the years.

I want to start by being brutally honest. I do believe that these two aforementioned classes are exceptional.

Our Upper School Baccalaureate ceremony for the class of 2011 was the most moving and powerful ceremony I have had the good fortune to have attended in my educational career.

And yet, I am also keenly aware that this year, not unlike other years, I have also spent a fair amount of time hearing from parents who lament the fact that from their vantage point “this is a really tough class.” While not always predictable, it tends to be grades three through eight where I hear this most often expressed. The reality is that these claims are often grounded in a fair amount of reality. These ages often are associated with a certain amount of social posturing, pushing back against parents, and frankly not always being

Berwick A c a d e m y

Greg Schneider

Head of School

particularly nice. As a school, we try our very best to manage these dynamics and support individual families, and I know these social challenges remain an area where I want to see Berwick improve. We constantly have to judge when social boundaries are crossed in such a way that a school response is required. I have had a number of great ideas on this matter from parents, and with the arrival of a talented new academic support coordinator and MS/US counselor, I think we are poised to take a big step forward in this department in future years.

Without fail, however, there is something special that seems to unfold at Berwick Academy before our students approach the podium on graduation day. This year more than ever, I cherished each individual moment when I made eye contact with our 66 graduates before I announced their names and they approached the podium – formally transforming them from Berwick Academy students to Berwick Academy alumni. What I was able to glimpse in each of their eyes this year was a window into their personal role in the mosaic that made up the class of 2011. Some reserved, some outgoing, some athletic, some artistic, some quirky, some polished – but all distinctly members of this remarkable group of graduates. It made me reflect upon what is it that we do here, beyond the mere passage of time and adolescence that catalyzes the kind of gelled experience I tend to treasure on graduation days at Berwick Academy?

Without question, I believe personal and intimate human connections are the most important factor. I like to believe that each of 1791 Letter ~ June 2011

those graduates had at least one adult, if not more, that they felt they could approach when a parent or peer was simply not enough. Regardless of their personality or particular talent, I believe that they were known.

Another element has to be the shared experience of a number of challenging moments by these kids – the Berwick rites of passage, if you will. The various wilderness trips, class projects, and performances seem to emerge in unifying ways for these students. To put more broadly, the co-curricular program of athletics, arts, service, and experiential learning are so central to the magical Berwick glue. And while we always struggle as an institution when it comes to offering awards, as there are never enough for every student – my hope is that our kids all feel validated in some way for who they are.

Through the establishment of various clubs, new programs, our tradition of departmental recognition awards, our senior of the week announcements, and our assembly culture in general – we all seem to work hard at recognizing the unique contributions of our kids.

Most of you were not lucky enough to witness the senior dinner that occurred before our Upper School Baccalaureate this year. At this event, the class and its teachers celebrate a last supper of sorts. Students and adults either speak, perform, or toast with some kind of commentary regarding their experiences at Berwick. This year, there was simply not a dry eye in the house. I am happy to say that is was not on account of our collective sadness but purely based on the power of the emotional bonds that had somehow been formed.

The longer I do this work at a

K-12 school, the more I am aware of two equally beautiful things. One the one hand, kids change tremendously between grades three and grade twelve. A lot happens. Some of it is really hard, some of it is quite silly, and some of it is, frankly, triumphant.

It’s also true that certain qualities for kids remain unchanged. Inside jokes that began in our Lower School still exist on graduation day. Eighth grade memory book quotations that are revisited a few nights before graduation often feel hauntingly on the money. If Berwick is doing well, then we are not grinding out 66 automatons primed for national excellence. If we are doing well, we are producing 66 graduates who have come to know themselves in powerful ways during their time here.

Academically prepared, certainly – but uniformly capable of empathy, human connection, and articulating fear, worry, and loss.

Please know that I am not trying to offer you a guarantee in this admitted moment of reverie. Some classes are inevitably closer than others, and any Head of School who tells you that his students are always nice is simply lying.

After the events of this weekend, and having been through this four times now, I do feel comfortable reflecting on a few themes. And while I may not yet be able to articulate the exact recipe that swirls in the mystical cauldron of Berwick Academy, I do know that there is a certain kind of alchemy at this place that is special. As always, one of the key components is that families such as yours have decided to sacrifice and offer the most important ingredient of all: your children. Thank you for making it so.

1791 Letter

Health Forms:

Parents will receive an email in the coming week with links to download the necessary student medical and emergency contact forms.

August Mailing

The 2011-2012 Academic Calendar and Student Handbook will be mailed in August. While I will write on these matters more formally in August, I wanted parents to know that we have made some changes to three areas that surfaced this year in our parent forums: dress code, honor roll calculations, and cell phone policies.

We continue to work towards as much continuity as we can between divisions while allowing for age-appropriate distinctions where necessary. Stay tuned for the details and thank you for the input.

BPC Grant process I am pleased to announce the BPC has recently approved approximately $35,000 worth of enrichment grants that have surfaced directly from faculty requests. While I will let them be the source of communication on this incredible news, I need to say thank you for this extraordinary generosity once again.

I look forward to stirring the pot on the Hilltop once again next year.

1791 Letter ~ June 2011

Peter Saliba - Upper School Director

Rosemary Zurawel - Middle School Director

Middle School News

Upper School News Commencement is an event that is steeped in history, and it is something that I savor every year. I enjoy the event to celebrate the work of our graduates, but I also enjoy the element of surprise which always seems to lurk in the shadows of this great day.

For every Commencement I can think of at least one surprise.

Sometimes it is weather related. Last year, the forecast was pretty solid for no rain, and then we got damp.

At other times, the surprise is not a disaster, but a blessing. Two years ago we had a graduation speaker (Dora Mills, Head of Maine CDC) and then a critical event occurred (H1N1 crisis) which made our choice brilliant even though we didn’t plan it that way. I love graduation because no matter how much you plan, there always seems to be a twist!

Two twists definitely stand out in my mind, and while they were not funny at the time, hindsight makes me chuckle. During my first year, Mr. Schneider and I expended countless hours planning Commencement down to the smallest detail. Everyone looked at us (and rolled their eyes) as if we were nuts because they had lived the ceremony for a number of years. For us, this first graduation had a special magnitude because you only get one “first” Commencement. We were dead set on making sure that things were going to go smoothly. The forecast was for very hot and humid weather so we held the event inside and everything went according to plan for the majority of the ceremony. About halfway through the senior class, we

encountered our big surprise which was not very funny at the time. We were missing half of the diplomas.

Yup, we had overlooked a basket and Mr. Schneider had to do a little verbal dance to keep us all occupied while we sprinted to get them. Needless to say, we now count them more than once very carefully just prior to the event.

That situation has made it into my notebook of memorable events.

off we went.

Those of you in attendance this year know my second surprise. Our bagpiper was piping, the processors were processing and in walked the senior class onto their stage. Just as the last seniors made it to their chairs there was a very distinctive “whummp” followed by a very noticeable ten degree list of the stage. I caught Mr. Schnieder’s eye at that moment which had the very distinctive “not again” look. The rear legs of the staging had collapsed. Just for the record, the senior staging has a low elevation, so the potential for significant harm is limited. Still, it’s pretty difficult to sit on a tilting stage especially at an event such as Commencement.

Second, I was reminded (again) of how many people are behind each one of our seniors and their attainment of graduation. The primary supporters we think of are parents, faculty and other friends who lend their resources, expertise, and love to help them succeed. These are important people and are the ones most often recognized.

However, the stage event reminded me that often we overlook the people who indirectly support us; the people who instantly appeared when we were in crisis. In about thirty seconds, Rich Knowles, Paul Cato, Kathy Keefe and Dan Bresnahan showed up and fixed that stage. These four people help care for our campus and have been making sure all year that our buildings are solid, our grounds maintained, and our driveways plowed. Although they put in countless hours on the things that sometimes we take for granted, they are not at the forefront of our minds during Commencement.

The seniors took it in stride.

As I approached, the vast majority just shrugged their shoulders with the “we will deal with it” look. I could not believe how calm everyone was at that moment- they were probably worried if we had all the diplomas! In about ten seconds, we had six people behind the stage trying to figure out how to solve the problem. In short order we had the stage propped up with a combination of paint buckets and free weights, and then the seniors took their chairs and 1791 Letter ~ June 2011

Now, I don’t always wish to have a collapsing stage as my surprise at Commencement, but I will say that it was a moment when Berwick was at its best. First, the seniors displayed a great deal of resiliency. The ability to monitor and adjust is such an important skill for continued success in all areas of our lives.

For me, whenever I look at another stage at any other graduation ceremony, I will always appreciate continued on pg. 15...

How often I have heard someone quote the first lines of the poem by James Russell Lowell, AND what is so rare as a day in June?

Then, if ever, come perfect days; Then Heaven tries earth if it be in tune, And over it softly her warm ear lays; Whether we look, or whether we listen, We hear life murmur, or see it glisten; When I think of the perfection of a June day, I inevitably associate it with the closing of a school year. For students and teachers, our lives follow a rhythmic cycle of openings and closings; of greetings and partings.

It should make us experts, by now. I know I have far to go. The partings at this time of year are particularly hard when a teacher looks on as students leave their middle school years behind.

They were children when we greeted them, and they leave as near-adults. A former colleague described it best when he said, “You pour in all this love, and when they leave, they take a piece of your heart with them.” Students whom we have taught, praised, occasionally scolded; all have been the recipients of weeks and days of the teachers’ life and work. I hope for one small moment that the children of the readers of this letter can realize how much our lives are completed by their presence.

It was with great anticipation that we welcomed seven fine men and women to the Teaching Institute this year. For those of us who taught them or who mentored them, there

was special significance in the bonds we forged together. Their work in classrooms was the best we have seen and each one of them had his first taste of opening his heart and mind to the students who come here. Their mentors know fully the tug felt at departures and the wistful, “We’ll be in touch” promises that everyone intends to keep. As I conclude my 39th year in the classroom, my own understanding is that thousands of students have exchanged that same promise with me, both of us sincere in our hope to “never forget you.” They have grown up and grown away. I’ve taught a grand student and have had a few become colleagues. The joys are my favorite source of non-taxable income.

There is a phenomenon in human behavior that I call, “It’s easier to leave an enemy than to leave a friend.” As middle schoolers begin their summer break, it is not surprising to learn that more than a couple of them are thankful for the weeks of separation. The closeness of a small school has grated, especially as these teens are trying to figure out how to be individuals and how to be socially connected at the same time. I trust in the transformative power of summer vacation which brings growth in all areas; physical, emotional, and social.

Former sources of irritation look different in September, and former irritants can suddenly appear to be allies. Tolerance of differences comes with age. Celebration of differences is part of the charge of education.

means that each of us knows what James Russell Lowell meant when he wrote that: Joy comes, grief goes, we know not how; Everything is happy now, Everything is upward striving; ‘Tis as easy now for the heart to be true As for grass to be green or skies to be blue,‘Tis for the natural way of living: Who knows whither the clouds have fled?

In the unscarred heaven they leave not wake, And the eyes forget the tears they have shed, The heart forgets its sorrow and ache; The soul partakes the season’s youth, And the sulphurous rifts of passion and woe Lie deep ‘neath a silence pure and smooth, Like burnt-out craters healed with snow.

With those lines, on behalf of the faculty, I send you our best wishes for long summer days for rest, for fun, and for growth. Should you have questions this summer, I will be in my office often, and will happily set up meetings or phone conversations.

Please accept my best wishes for rare June days.

The trust we have in the rhythm of the greeting time in September 1791 Letter ~ June 2011

Rob Quinn - Athletic Director

Joel Hawes - Lower School Director

Lower School News The Lower School Closing Recognition Assembly is an important year-end tradition in our division. The event allows us to reflect on a year of learning and excitement with our Lower School students—especially our fourth graders. It is an important transitional moment for them as they complete their Lower School experience and prepare to move next door to the Middle School. It is also fitting that our fourth grade families attend this special ceremony: whether starting Lower School this year or when their child entered Kindergarten or entry points in between, we have been blessed with a supportive group of parents in this year’s fourth grade.

They have been involved at every turn—from special project help to field trip support to the exciting stretch in the final weeks of school.

Besides the wonderful fourth grade student celebration led by Mark Summers and Roz Witherbee, I expressed my appreciation for the dedication and care shown by our division’s teachers, staff, and interns.

This is a professional group that cares deeply about the progress and success of every Lower School child. This particular school year has seen so successful because of the many quietlyaccomplished, unselfish, and caring acts demonstrated by our faculty, staff, and interns. In this final entry, I would like to highlight our two homeroom teachers that will not be with us next year by reiterating the words I spoke on their behalf during the assembly.

Being a teacher means many

things to a community such as ours: setting up a classroom for interesting learning experiences, developing creative projects, discussing our program at faculty meetings, and, of course, helping our students learn about schoolwork and about life. In her many years in the Lower School, Mrs. Maggie de Rham has done all of those things and so much more with us and for us. In the end, a teacher is greater than these separate parts, a teacher is someone who cares deeply about the all-around growth of each and every student with whom she or he works. Mrs. de Rham has extended her kindness to each of us in the Lower School through bigger ventures, such as inviting us into her classroom for second grade museum experiences to less-known examples, like helping with student coverage at our recent Woofstock warm-up party.

Throughout the years, Mrs. de Rham has been there for her students each step of the way.

Teachers play many important roles at Berwick Academy. In the Lower School, their talents take them in many directions. Ms. Minihan is a great example of that fact. Ms. Minihan has worked as a literacy teacher, a Kindergarten teacher, kids club director, and something you may not have known—even as my parttime administrative assistant when I first arrived at Berwick. Of course, we know her primarily as a Lower School first grade teacher—where she has enthusiastically helped students with the learning process. In her varied roles, Ms. Minihan has been a wonderful friend to students and faculty in our division and across the Berwick campus. Over the years, she 1791 Letter ~ June 2011

has brought together a wonderful spirit of learning, discovery, and friendship to her classroom experiences.

I have appreciated the many ways in which Ms. Minihan has enriched our School—from creative teaching lessons to afterschool enrichment… and, of course, indoor recess dance parties!

Recently, we dedicated our 2010-11 literary magazine to Mrs. de Rham and Ms. Minihan. The dedication included fourth grade student reflections on these teachers’ accomplishments in our division.

The faculty, staff, and administration have also organized other forms of recognition for these teachers at school’s end. With the help of the Berwick Parent Community, we will also be purchasing some book collections for our Lower School literacy book room based on Mrs. de Rham’s and Ms. Minihan’s Lower School interests—ranging from first grade continent studies to second grade predator-prey relationships. And again, with the help of BPC, we will print some distinctive book plates that will be placed on the inside of these books and collections in their honor.

As we read these books in the future, we will be reminded of Mrs. de Rham and Ms. Minihan and their distinctive support of Lower School learning.

As we finish the year, we will hold tightly to past Lower School memories in our division. And as I conclude in this space, I would like to, once again, congratulate and thank our fourth grade students and the entire Lower School community— students, faculty/staff and parents—for a wonderful school year!

Spring Sports - Success on the Hilltop

The Girls’ Varsity Tennis and Boys’ Varsity teams had terrific seasons, both having their best records in ten years. Varsity Baseball and Varsity Boys Lacrosse both qualifed for N.E. Tournament.

Lacrosse advanced to the semi-final rounds and lost a close home game to Dexter School, the eventual Champions, while the baseball team lost in the first round to Pingree, also eventual Champions.

Girls’ Lacrosse qualified for the EIL Tournament, winning the first round in B bracket. The softball and girls tennis tournaments were canceled because of teams not finishing their regular season schedule due to the number of weather cancelations.

Summer and Preseason Sports

This summer, Berwick has again joined forces with the Seacoast United Soccer Club to offer a Training Academy for experienced travel and club players to be held at Berwick Academy. This camp will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will include lunch and dinner 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 11-14 and July 18-21.

We have also partnered with Integrity Hoops, which is a basketball training group that has the philosopy of “Teach kids the game of basketball,

Athletics News

make them better people, and have fun along the way.” They will using our Blue gym in the athletic center and those dates will be June 27 - August 19: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. For the last week, August 15 - 19 they will conduct a day camp on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Please contact Noah LaRoche: noah@integrityhoops. com for more details.

Boys’ Soccer: Coach Patrick Connolly pconnolly@berwickacademy.org Summer: They will begin Tuesday night sessions on July 26 at 6:15 7:45 p.m. These will continue through August 16 .

Preseason: Varsity candidates will be leaving for the Team Prep trip at noon time on Monday, August 22 and return on Friday August 26 at noon. Those who have not signed up must contact Coach Connolly as soon as possible.

There is a cost to the trip. On campus preseason will run from Monday, August 29 until Thursday, September 1, 5 - 6:30. 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 a scrimmage vs Thornton Academy in Saco at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 30. There will be a select number of players chosen to attend this contest. That will be determined at Monday, August 29 practice.

Girls’ Soccer: Head Coach Travis Derr email: emailderr@yahoo.com Summer: The girls will be playing on campus this summer in late July and August. Email Coach Travis Derr for specific times and dates if interested evenings.

1791 Letter ~ June 2011

Preseason: Coach Travis Derr will be taking a group of soccer athletes to camp. The group will be attending the SoccerPlus Camp from August 12 -15 on the campus of the Northfield Mt Herman School. This preseason camp is optional and open to any interested soccer athlete. They will be attending the camp as a team from Berwick Academy. The camp includes skills sessions, practices, and scrimmages against other soccer programs. While returning members of the team and current Berwick students have already signed up, the hope is to bring an excited and energetic group of soccer athletes. This includes anyone who is motivated and interested in having a little extra preseason time. We are very hopeful that some of our incoming students will be able to join us. We think it could be a fun and possibly less intimidating transition into the school and into preseason.

Field Hockey: Head Coach Tracey Kelly tkelly@berwickacademy.org Summer League: We are participating in a summer field hockey league with York, Marshwood, Dover, and St. Thomas Aquinas (STA). Berwick will pair up with STA to ensure enough players each game. This is not mandatory, but it would be great if all players can make at least a few games.

The schedule is: June 23 vs. Dover – 7 p.m. at Marshwood High School June 30 vs. Dover – 6 p.m. at BA Turf July 7 vs. Marshwood – 6 p.m. at BA Turf July 14 vs. Marshwood – 7 p.m. at Marshwood High School continued on page 10...

you gotta have Arts

Deloris White - Fine Arts Director

BPC Notes - from the BPC Board Members

Arts News

Arts Boosters

Music

Looking for Volunteers

The Berwick Academy Arts Boosters are looking to increase volunteer involvement during the 2011- 2012 school year. This group was established to sponsor fine arts events at Berwick along with creating events with the goal of generating funding to help support an Artists in Residence program and/or purchase capital equipment items for the visual and performing arts. Generating new ideas and enthusiasm, Berwick Parents for the Arts have come together in the spirit of supporting the visual and performing arts. The two major fund raising events are the Arts Boosters Variety Show and the Silent Art Auction. This year, these two events and minimal proceeds from the Arts Boosters Snack Shack grossed approximately $1,800. Please contact upper school parent Suzanne McFarland if would like information about Berwick Parents for the Arts.

Applied Music Chip Harding will be responsible for coordinating the applied music lessons for the 20112012 school year. Please note that all lesson inquiries and forms should be directed to him.

Performances for the Arts (Arts Boosters Variety Show)

This annual event will take place on Friday, October 14, at 7:00 p.m. The event will be preceded by Arts in the Lobby at 6:30 planned and hosted by Berwick Parents for the Arts. We would love to perform to a full house with standing room only so please mark your calendars and plan to join us on this one-of-a-kind evening.

Watch for more information in the August and September 1791 Letters and have a great summer.

Off the Hilltop

On May 20, Sally Wituszynski presented an educator’s workshop session on the University of New Hampshire’s String Project and the National String Project Consortium for the Maine Allstate Music Conference at the University of Southern Maine.

Festival Information

Upper School students who are interested in auditioning for the Maine Allstate Music Festival next year who are enrolled in chorus or band courses at Berwick can go to this site to check the audition requirements for their instruments: http://allstateauditions.com/mmea/ auditions/InstrumentRequirements.pdf We recommend that students start working on the music during the summer. Auditions will take place in November. Information regarding additional festivals will be available in the fall. Please remember that students must be enrolled in a music class in order to audition or participate in a music festival in the Upper School.

Visual Art Banners for Woofstock Congratulations and thank you to Amelia Hazen and the National 1791 Letter ~ June 2011

Art Honor Society for creating the lively Community Art Banners that were hung at Woofstock! We hope to continue this art event and make more banners for next year.

4th Arts Olympiad

Fifth grade student Livia Ginchereau will travel to Washington, DC in mid-June to represent Berwick Academy and the State of Maine at the World Children’s Festival on the National Mall. As a finalist, she will participate in a Closed-Door Session for finalists from the United States and 63 additional countries, the Opening Ceremonies, attend the festival events and performances, and the culminating Awards Banquet.

Deloris White will also attend this festival and will be teaching a work shop connecting art and athletics in the Sports Pavilion. More information about the festival and highlights from the events experienced by Livia Ginchereau and Deloris White from the student and teacher perspective will be included in the August 1791 Letter.

Parent Community News

process for the coming years.

It’s hard to believe that summer is finally here! The past year has been an exciting one for BPC, with tremendous change and a renewed energy. Without the help and support of the amazing Board of BPC, we wouldn’t have been able to accomplish all that we did. I would personally like to thank Joanne Meyer, Nancy Murphy, Mary Pat Dolan, Suzanne McFarland, Sarah Hebert, and Tracy Howe for all they did to support our mission over the last two years. We will truly miss all of you. I would like to welcome Stan Meader, Jennifer Johnson, and Darlene Saltz to the Board. They are sure to be wonderful additions to our dedicated group. I also look forward to continued work in BPC with Nickie Gaudette, Katie Clark, Sarah Bedard, Pamela Oberg, Mary Towey, Diane Walker, and Francee Quinlan. I also would like to extend a HUGE thank you to all our other volunteers. From Class Reps, to Box Tops Coordinator and Book Club Coordinator – your energy and enthusiasm is overwhelming. None of our accomplishments would have been possible without each and every one of you!

BPC Grant Proposal I would like to thank Diane Walker for acting as our new Grant Proposal Coordinator for this year. She has done a wonderful job of getting all the applications processed for grant fund distribution. We are very lucky to have Diane in this role for the next two years. Thank you to all the staff that applied for a portion of these funds.

We are happy to be able to support the school in meaningful ways and we hope to see continued interest in this

BPC Garden A huge thank you goes out to Sarah Bedard and Alex Jacuch for doing a beautiful job with our BPC Garden. Your time and creativity in making this space so attractive was greatly appreciated.

Community Benefit I also want to thank everyone for all the hard work, support, donations, and attendance at our Community Benefit. It was a huge success, with $86,000 going towards the Pat McManus Campus Preservation and Enhancement Fund. Additionally, an approximate $77,000 was raised to fund enrichment activities for the students, and the Grant Proposals.

Andrea Bristol did a wonderful job as Chair of this event, and I would like to thank her for all her efforts.

Finally, I would like to thank the Board of Trustees, Greg Schneider and all of the Administration that provided assistance and support during our dissolution of BAPA and restructure of the new BPC. I am confident that your guidance and belief in the BPC has positioned us to do amazing things for the school moving forward.

Fan, Follow Connect!

Berwick Academy is on Facebook!

Become a fan to see daily updates, photos, videos, and more. www.facebook.com/ berwickacademy

Berwick Academy is using Twitter! Create a profile and choose to “follow” Berwick Academy. Opt to receive updates via phone and you will receive a text message every time we post something new! www.twitter.com/ berwickacademy

I wish all of you a restful, enjoyable and wonderful summer. I look forward to seeing all of you at our first full General BPC meeting on Monday, September 26 at 8:15 am in the Commons Lounge.

Connect, reconnect, and engage with Berwick Academy alumni, parents, and friends.

Lesli Friel BPC President

Search for Berwick Academy under Groups

1791 Letter ~ June 2011

www.linkedin.com

Athletics News...cont. from pg 10

July 21 vs. York – 7 p.m. at Marshwood High School July 28 vs. York – 6 p.m. at BA Turf Field Hockey Summer Camp Info Athletes are STRONGLY encouraged to attend a camp this summer. Please consider one of the following options: • UNH hosts two camp sessions this summer, July 8-11 and July 12-15.

Visit the registration page for more information - http://www.unhwildcats. com/camps/fh_night_1 • Seacoast United hosts several camps throughout the summer including one at BA. Check out their field hockey camp page for dates and registration information - http:// seacoastunited.org/Camps/FHCamps/ index_E.html Summer Clinic and Preseason Info • We will be hosting a field hockey clinic at BA the week before pre-season here at BA (date TBD).

This clinic is meant for anyone who is interested in playing field hockey, or anyone who would just like to try it before committing. It will be one night only from 4:30-7 p.m.

• Preseason is the week of August 29 - Sept 2.

Athletes are expected to be dressed and ready to practice no later than 3:30.

Try to remember, early is on time, on time is late. We will be doing a lot of running, please be prepared with lots of water. We strongly suggest you do some running in the weeks leading up to pre-season as well (please refer to the summer workout program.)

We will be looking for at least two 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.

Coach Contact Info Tracey Kelly – work: 207-384-6308 cell: 603-817-8930; email: tkelly@berwickacademy.org 10

Boys Cross Country: Coach: Jon Davie jdavie@berwickacademy.org Preseason: Practices begin on Monday, August 29 and run through Wednesday August 31 from 5-6:30 p.m.

Girls Cross Country: Coach Reagan Russell rrussell@berwickacademy.org Preseason: Practices begin on Monday, August 29 and run through Wednesday August 31 from 5-6:30 p.m.

Golf: Coach John Downey jdowney@ berwickacademy.org Practices will begin the first day of classes. More information will be in the August 1791 Letter.

Boys Basketball: Coach Rory Early allforhoop@aol.com Summer: Boys Basketball team will be holding an open gym for all upper school members during June 19 and 26 in July on the 3, 10 , 17 , 24 and 31 and in August on the 7, 14, 21th and 28 and in September on the 4th and 11th . All these dates will be on Sunday’s from 6-8 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Coach Brian Sanborn at bsanborn@berwickacademy.org Summer: Girls Basketball will be holding open gym from 6-8 p.m. on the following dates: June 15, June 22, July 5,12. We will host our own team week at Berwick from July 18-22 during the evenings 5:30-8:30 p.m. Contact Coach Sanborn for more information.

Fall Sports Middle School and Junior Varsity sports begin on the first day of school, Tuesday September 6. Varsity sports begin on Monday, August 29, 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.

Emergency Permission Form and Physicals:

1791 Letter ~ June 2011

All health forms must be completed and filed with the School Nurse no later than July 11 of the upcoming school year in order for a student to begin school. A student will not be allowed to participate in preseason sports or to attend orientation programs if the necessary medical forms are not completed and on file. Forms are mailed at the end of the preceding school year, are posted on the portal, and may be picked up in the front office of the Burleigh Davidson Building.

Grade 8 Baccalaureate

A complete physical examination, including vision and hearing testing, is required for all new students entering Berwick Academy; and thereafter, updated every other year. A physical exam is an assessment of your child’s health status. Berwick Academy recommends a more recent physical examination be submitted if there are changes in your child’s health. The Physical Examination Form must be completed and signed by the medical practitioner; and, the section on immunizations must be reviewed and completed in order to comply with Maine state law.

The signed and completed Emergency Permission Form is used for students during school, sports and field trips when immediate medical attention is needed. The School Nurse needs to be updated on medical changes throughout the year. Medical information pertinent to the student may be confidentially shared with the applicable teacher(s), staff, and/or athletic coach. Parents are also encouraged to inform appropriate personnel about important medical information.

Fall Schedule The fall sports schedule is now posted on the Berwick Academy Portal. The schedule is subject to change. continued on pg 14...

1791 Letter ~ June 2011

11

Cindy Briggs - School Counselor

Bittersweet Changes As I am sure many of you already know, some significant changes are taking place in the Support Services Department for next year. Middle and Upper School Academic Support Coordinator, Stacey Selevowitz is leaving us after three incredible years to join the Waynflete School in Portland, ME. I believe that a recent conversation between Stacey and a sophomore boy sums up the unbelievable impact Stacey has had on our community. Without Stacey prompting him, I overheard him say, “I’m really going to miss you Ms. Sevelowitz, thanks for all that you have done for me.” Berwick Academy is really going to miss Stacey next year.

She has single handedly transformed the academic support in both the Upper and Middle Schools.

My role also is shifting starting July 1. After 22 years of dedicated service, our beloved Assistant Head, Ruth Rioux is retiring. Words can’t begin to describe what her departure means to both me and the entire Berwick community. She has tirelessly given of herself for the past quarter century. I am honored to think that her role is being passed down to me, but also a little frightened because I know that I can’t possibly fill her shoes. I know with time, hard work, and the support of the administrative team and faculty, that I will felt more comfortable and confident in my new role.

We l l n e s s N e w s

years – School Counselor. This is truly bittersweet for me. I absolutely LOVE working with the students. Nothing cheers me up more than walking into the lower floor of Fogg (i.e., the Pit) and hearing kids yell “Ms. Briggs,” or walking into the Middle School Great Room and having students rush toward me to ask a question. Fortunately, I was one of the Upper School faculty recently honored by the opportunity to sit for a portrait picture with graduating senior, Sophie Merrow. When asked the first thing that came into my mind when I heard the word “teacher,” I immediately said “students.” I love the Berwick students. There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not thinking of them and how special they are. They are so great to be around! As I move my office to Burleigh-Davidson from the third floor of Fogg Memorial and the little corner space in the Middle School, my only hope is that I will be able to maintain my strong connection with them.

Lastly, I want to say farewell to the 1791 Letter. This is my last submission. I know my colleague; Tracey Kelly will be relieved to no longer hear my groans about writing my monthly column.

I hope you all have an absolutely wonderful summer!

Cindy Briggs

What this transition also means is that I will be saying goodbye to a role that I have held for the past ten 12

Rachel Saliba - School Archivist

1791 Letter ~ June 2011

Archives News

According to Mr. Chaplin, members of the school board and parent and teachers association wanted input into how their tuition dollars were being spent and had threatened to open their own school. On the other hand, the trustees felt that the town’s demands were pulling the School away from its mission as a college preparatory School. There were many board members who also believed the school could earn greater financial support as a boys’ boarding school instead of acting as the public high school for the Town of South Berwick. Within five years of Mr. Chaplin’s first day on the job, the BA Board of Trustees voted to end its tuition agreement with the Town of South Berwick in 1955 and become a private boy’s boarding school by the fall of 1960.

The financial incentive to break the agreement with South Berwick is understandable. In 1956, the town paid approximately $340 per student for tuition.

This is equivalent to approximately $2,811 per student in 2011 dollars – not a lot of money considering the Town of South Berwick currently spends almost four times that amount (approximately $8,700) per high school student each year. As a point of comparison, BA spent approximately $28,000 per student in 2010.

“I do not remember in my mind one single day that I ever walked up over that hill and came into this building that I wasn’t totally happy.”

(Stuart C. Chaplin, 2/12/2010) Berwick Academy Icon Stuart Chaplin Remembered The widely popular and respected former BA Headmaster, Stuart C. Chaplin passed away, just two months shy of his 101st birthday, on May 7, 2011. Although he was only Headmaster for a few years from 1950-1956, he will be remembered for leading Berwick Academy through an era of great change with devotion, compassion, and frugality.

Under such a tight budget, the Academy was a very different place and Mr. Chaplin made do with very little. Eleven faculty members (including Chaplin) taught 140 students in three different tracks: college preparatory, general education and commercial. The students were involved in various activities and clubs, including Drama, Science Club, Glee Club, Band, Yearbook and the Debating Society. Mr. Chaplin is credited for starting the School’s first chapter of Future Homemakers of America and the Industrial Arts Club on campus. Many students continued on to college, but a lot went straight to work at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard after graduating from BA.

The School was situated on 40 acres and included Fogg, Burleigh-Davidson, Vaughan Eastman, and the Headmaster’s Home where Chaplin lived with his wife Marion and their three children, Richard ‘53, Gene and Kera ‘59.

Headmaster’s residence on left; BD and Vaughan are hidden by the woods in the upper left. The Hayes House, on the right was still a private residence. (Photo - c.

1948)

At the beginning of Mr. Chaplin’s tenure as Headmaster in 1950, the South Berwick School Board and the Berwick Board of Trustees were reconsidering their 118-year-old agreement in which the Town paid the tuition for every high school-aged resident to attend Berwick Academy.

continued on pg 14...

1791 Letter ~ June 2011

13

Archives News...cont. from pg 13

Burleigh-Davidson was used for home economics classes, the infirmary, the lunchroom (in the basement) and faculty apartments. (Photo -1950 Quamphegan) Vaughan Eastman, located behind BurleighDavidson, was used for “Manual Arts” classes including woodworking / machine shop and extracurricular training in arts and crafts. (Photo – 1963)

There was no gym on campus, but the teams, called the “Hilltoppers,” “Toppers” and “Topperettes,” played basketball indoors in the gym at South Berwick Central School. The boys used the basement of Fogg as a locker room and the girls changed in the upstairs bathroom. Other athletic facilities included an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court, and a football/baseball field. Mr. Chaplin is credited with attending nearly every athletic contest played by the Hilltoppers – including away games.

Mr. Chaplin’s career at BA ended unexpectedly in the summer of 1956 when he left to start his next career working on the first commercially sold computer as a systems analyst in the design division of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. It was an opportunity, he said, that he couldn’t pass up. Fortunately, Mr. Chaplin remained engaged in education in South Berwick and served on the budget committee and school board through the SAD 35 transition. He also remained in close contact with many Berwick alumni and even attended a monthly lunch at Fogarty’s with members of the Class of 1954 until just this year.

When I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Chaplin in honor of his 100th birthday, he told me, “I do not remember in my mind one single day that I ever walked up over that hill and came into this building that I wasn’t totally happy.” (2/12/2010 Chaplin Interview p.18) Berwick Academy was fortunate to have him lead and shape so many young lives during his short tenure as head of school. His candor and larger-than-life presence will be missed.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or would like to contact Mr. Chaplin’s family directly, please contact me at rsaliba@ berwickacademy.org or 207-384-6330.

Athletics News...cont. from pg 10

Bulldog Golf Classic The Athletics Boosters are hosting their Annual Bulldog Golf Classic at the Ledges Golf Club in York, Maine, on Thursday, September 22, 2010, it is a 8 a.m. shotgun start. Save the date, and plan to join in the fun with the many members of our Berwick community.

Annual proceeds from this tournament have benefited Berwick athletes and the Athletic Department, including improvements to our athletic fields, two new scoreboards, construction of the girls softball field, fencing around the baseball field and dug outs, and netting on the soccer and lacrosse fields. We’ve even built a storage shed and purchased a portable defibrillator and an all-terrain Gator vehicle for the athletic trainers.

For more information go to www.berwickacademy.org or contact Rob Quinn at 207-384-2164 ext. 2800 or email rquinn@berwickacademy.org

Spring Sports Awards

Upper School News...cont. from pg 4

Upper School MVP Coach’s Award

Boys Varsity Lacrosse Patrick Nichols Jordan Sanford Girls VarsityLacrosse Kaitlyn Wurzer Jacqui Zannos BoysVarsityBaseball Alex Tobey Ben Muthig Varsity Softball Jen Auty Suzanna Borg Boys Varsity Tennis Bill Leach Danny Botino GirlsVarsity Tennis Nicole Klienmann Haley Salas Boys JV Lacrosse Stephen Sherbahn Andrew Waterhouse Girls JV Lacrosse Kathryn Voss Lydia Waldo Boys JV Baseball Most Improved George Henkel Seth Wyskiel Boys JV Tennis Nate Potter Nate Richards Girls JV Tennis Molly Towey Cristina Salvador JV Softball Lathrop Kelly Alison Dawe

US Hilltop Girls Sophie Merrow Boys Jordan Sanford

Bulldog award winners Alex Devine, Averill Daly, Jenny Scharff, Halley Tower, Ian Wright, Alex Zannos

Middle School Coach’s Award

Boys Blue Lacrosse Colin Binnie Girls Blue Lacrosse Natasia Burzynski Boys White Lacrosse James Ordway Girls White Lacrosse Anna Seigel MS Softball Erin Casey MS Baseball Will Scharer

the resiliency of our kids. This was part of their success this year as they made the transition from student to alumni. I will also always appreciate all the people who use their skills and dedication to the Academy in support of our students. All of us have different roles, and they are all important.

Spirit MS Girls - Maggie Duchene Spirit MS Boys - Ben Thut MS Hilltop Girls Brooke Downey Boys Luke Linemyr All League Baseball: First Team Alex Tobey, Jonny Grassie, Ricky Kramer Softball: First Team Jenna Maddax Girls Lacrosse: First Team Shannon Farrell, Sophie Merrow, Jacqui Zannos Boys Lacrosse; First Team Jordan Sanford, Pat Nichols, Kevin Airoldi Hon. Ment. All-League: John Reinhart, Cody Jackson Girls Tennis: First Team Nicole Kleinmann and Devon Wood Hon. Mention: Haley Salas Boys Tennis: First Team Chase Rosa Hon. Mention: Bill Leach NEPSWLA All-Stars: Lyndsay Brattan and Jacqui Zannos , Girls Lacrosse All New England Patrick Nichols- Boys Lacorsse Jordan Sanford – Boys Lacrosse Kevin Airoldi – Boys Lacrosse Boston Globe All Scholastic Kevin Airoldi - Boys Lacrosse, EIL MVP Coach of the Year Ted Sherbahn - Boys Tennis Stacey Sevelowitz - Softball

Spring Sports Awards listed on page 15 14

1791 Letter ~ June 2011

1791 Letter ~ June 2011

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Jedd Whitlock - Director of Advancement

Alumni and Development News Dear Berwick Community, As of June 20, I am encouraged to report that we have 16 more gifts to reach out parent participation goal of 70%. I am hopeful for a strong finish as we push towards June 30. This year’s Annual Fund success is due to the collective efforts of our energetic and passionate Annual Fund volunteer team. In addition, I am pleased to report that this year’s Senior Fund raised over just over $40,000! The senior class voted to designate these funds to the Class of 2011 Endowment for Campus Preservation. I remain appreciative and grateful for the efforts, wisdom and support of both the Annual and Senior Fund teams. They Are: Annual Fund Chair Holly Malloy, Trustee Lower School Michelle Soares, LS Division Leader

Grade 1 Tom Parrott, Leader Jean Jarvis

Grade 2 Michelle Hanson, Leader Michelle Albion Sheila Kageleiry

Grade 3 Michelle Soares, Leader Jennifer Hoover

Grade 4 Kristin Morales, Leader Middle School Margaret Talcott, Trustee, MS Division Leader

Grade 5 Suzanne Richardson, Leader Hilary Ireland Dee Whall

Upper School Holly Malloy, Trustee, US Division Leader

Grade 6 Janet Stevens, Leader EJ Hetz

Grade 7 Lisa Anderson, Leader Paula Reid Laura Smith Amy Criswell Susan Noerdlinger,Trustee Grade 8 Kendall Montouri, Leader Sue Downey Stephen Young Deborah Walden Mary Clark Sarah Terenzio Linda Plaza

Grade 9 Nina Maurer, Leader Jane Craig Adriana Cunha-Solomon Mary Anne Siegel Grade 10 Eliza Peter, Leader Ann Reis Molly Samson Laurie Potter Lynn Marsh Elaine Hayden Deanna Grammenos

Grade 11 Sheila Woolley, Leader Mary Reinhardt Paula Reid Jenifer Saulnier Shelia Woolley

Leadership Chair Margaret Talcott, Trustee Leadership Team Mark Tay, Chair, President of the Board of Trustees Jameson French, Trustee Holly Malloy, Trustee Lesli Friel, Trustee Margaret Talcott, Trustee Jamie James EJ Hetz Senior Gift Committee Alex Auty, Trustee Marla Katz Sueann Lachance Chris Nichols Karin Wittet

I look forward to a strong finish and reporting to you on the entire year shortly. Thank you again for all of your effort and support on behalf of Berwick Academy!

Best, Jedd Whitlock Director of Advancement

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1791 Letter ~ June 2011