UPPER SCHOOL UPPER SCHOO
NATIONAL EXCELLENCE A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
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very year, I am constantly reminded of how lucky I am to be a member of the Berwick community. Separate from the inspiring academic rigor, the nurturing support, the college preparation and placement, and the opportunities for creative expression and athletic competition - this is an authentic place. Whether you are an academic, an artist, an athlete, or a combination of all three, you will be able to be yourself here. Our families come from an incredible range of economic backgrounds and life experiences, and our teachers are passionate not only about their subject area but about working with students. As the head of this school, I am proud of the sense of energy and change that is underway at this dynamic place. Recently, the Board of Trustees asked me to craft a vision statement for our school, and we collectively landed on the notion of National Excellence and Seacoast Values as a helpful way for people to understand how we see ourselves while offering a sense of our aspirations. We believe this community stands for excellence on a national level, and that we offer one of the finest educations available, supported by world-class faculty and administrators. However, we know there are other schools that might make a similar claim. We seek national recognition for doing what we do best rather than through imitation of other fine schools. Our connection to the Seacoast region infuses the Berwick experience with a sense of balance, authenticity, perspective, and humility that makes us truly unique. As a day school for three states, we know that families move to this region looking for a quality of life for their family that is second to none. Berwick benefits from these family values and supports our students in the embodiment of these ideals.
Yours,
Gregory J. Schneider B.A. Amherst College M.Ed. Harvard University
SEACOAST VALUES
ACADEMICS
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erwick’s Upper School is a community where it is cool to be smart, cool to try, and cool to be your authentic self. Upper School students are challenged by a rigorous curriculum and supported by exemplary faculty who inspire personal excellence. The aim of the Berwick curriculum is to live the mission of the School and ensure that students learn both “virtue and useful knowledge.” Berwick students become self-motivating, self-monitoring, and selfadjusting learners with the academic acumen, skills, and knowledge to find supreme success as they enter college and the world beyond. Additionally, students leave Berwick with a moral compass that will guide them through life and gradually change the world for the better.
CURRICULAR PHILOSPHY Berwick Academy is committed to educating today’s students “for their future rather than our past.” By infusing a traditional curriculum with innovative ideas and technology, Berwick challenges students to process information and apply skills as they develop the competencies that will foster growth and encourage academic self-reliance. Berwick’s curricular philosophy focuses on five areas: 1. Student-directed learning with a focus on knowing through doing. 2. Skills as the goal with content serving as the vehicle to achieve these goals. 3. Systemic innovation by building on the momentum of the Berwick Innovation Center. 4. Institutional commitment to wellness, character education, and public purpose. 5. Building cross-cultural versatility by augmenting the multicultural aspects of our program.
PHYSICS LAB: Students conduct trial runs with red (faster) and blue (slower) toy cars to find out where they will collide when facing each other on the same track.
ALGEBRA FUNCTION TRANSFORMATION DANCES: In groups of three or four, students choreograph dances that embody the eight parent algebra functions. Through kinesthetic learning, the dancers build a brain-body connection that results in true mastery, long lasting retention, and tons of fun!
FACULTY
The best teacher I had during my time at Berwick was Mr. Brad Fletcher. In humanities, he never failed to surprise me with both the level of depth in his own insights and also how he encouraged students to search within ourselves for similar reflections. I hope that he knows how much I appreciated my time with him. Thomas Anderson ’16 Hamilton College ’20
Berwick Academy faculty teach in the classrooms, coach on the playing fields, direct on stage, advise students, and mentor clubs. Wearing many hats, they are an integral component of the Berwick community.
LUCY POLLARD B.A. Dartmouth College, M.Ed. Harvard University | 9th Grade Dean, Upper School History Teacher, and Girls Varsity Field Hockey Coach
One major benefit of being on the faculty at Berwick is that I get to work with our students in so many different settings. As a teacher, dean, advisor, coach, and club advisor, I can facilitate a discussion that helps students become advocates for social change during common period, and plan a practice that promotes teamwork and leadership to end the school day. Because the Berwick faculty fill such diverse roles on campus, we have so many opportunities and arenas to promote student growth. As a result, faculty-student relationships are dynamic and incredibly meaningful!
JIM SMUCKER B.A. The College of Wooster, M.Ed. Springfield College | Upper School Math Teacher, Boys Varsity Baseball and Girls Varsity Basketball Coach
I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with students who are willing to work collaboratively with one another as they acquire the skills needed to problem solve. The students at Berwick truly enjoy learning and they make the classroom experience fun!
JUFEN RUI B.A. Beijing Foreign Studies University, M.A. Tianjin Foreign Studies University | Lower, Middle, and Upper School Mandarin Teacher
Dedication to education is finding the best way to kindle a flame in students’ minds. Once ignited, that passion will drive them to pursue knowledge long after they’ve left your classroom.
ARTS
VISUAL
R ARE OU E R E H W S? I ARTIST ALUMN
Study in the Upper School begins with The Art of Seeing, the prerequisite course which provides the foundational skills and knowledge needed for further study. Students may then explore areas of interest by choosing from a wide range of electives including studio art studies, metals, photography, digital design, and film. Students may also follow a track of study in fine arts, 2D design, or 3D design courses leading to Studio Art Honors and advanced portfolio development. Upper School art students have been regionally and nationally recognized in art competitions and represented in national exhibitions.
BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC
MUSIC In the Upper School, students refine their already acquired skills and explore their own individual interests in performance, research, and theory, as well as delve deeper into music technology applications and software. In addition to traditional music offerings, students can participate in a variety of electives, including Ukelele ensemble, Music in Pop Culture, and Electronic Music, which is offered in the Digital Design Classroom.
MAINE COLLEGE OF ART
MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF ART
DANCE
The dance program seeks to educate intellectually, artistically, physically, ethically, and socially through the medium of dance. The curriculum provides students with avenues for technical and creative development. Dance is approached as a collaborative venture for any and all students with an emphasis on interactive skills, discovery, and courage.
RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN
THE NEW YORK CONSERVATORY FOR DRAM
MATIC ARTS
There are year-round dramatic and musical productions in which students can participate individually as performers, directors, theater technicians, or members of the orchestra. Some of our performers go on to pursue careers in theater at the college level and in local summer theaters. Recent productions have included Beauty and the Beast, The Diary of Anne Frank, Damn Yankees, Les MisĂŠrables, and Guys & Dolls.
PERFORMING
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
ATHLETICS
BERWICK ATHLETES AND COACHES TAKE PRIDE IN REPRESENTING THE SCHOOL’S CORE VALUES BY DEMONSTRATING RESPECT FOR OUR OPPONENTS, OFFICIALS, COACHES, AND TEAMMATES, WHILE HONORING THE SPIRIT OF COMPETITION.
E IL T LEAGUE
EPENDEN
IND EASTERN
Berwick Academy is proud to be a member of the prestigious Eastern Independent League (EIL). The EIL provides student-athletes the opportunity for rigorous competition with schools of similar size and athletic philosophy. The EIL’s eleven members compete in the New England Prep School Athletic Conference (NEPSAC). Berwick teams have had impressive successes in the past several years, with recent championships earned by the soccer, hockey, lacrosse, cross-country running, softball, baseball, and basketball teams.
ROB QUINN Athletics Director Rob Quinn came to Berwick Academy from Colby College, where he served as head men’s lacrosse coach and assistant football coach for seven seasons. He is a Westfield State All-American lacrosse midfielder and Athletics Hall of Fame inductee. Prior to his time at Colby, Quinn coached at the University of Hartford (1990-92), Roanoke College (1992-94), and New England College (19952001), where he turned a struggling program into a national tournament participant and compiled an 80-25 record. While at New England College, Quinn was honored twice as Coach of the Year and won three conference titles.
“OUR PRIMARY FOCUS IN ATHLETICS HERE AT BERWICK ACADEMY IS ASKING OUR STUDENTS TO DISPLAY CHARACTER AND INTEGRITY, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON SPORTSMANSHIP. WE WANT OUR ATHLETES TO REPRESENT ‘EXCELLENCE IN ACTION’ DAILY IN OUR COMMUNITY.”
MEG MARTINSON Head Varsity Girls Lacrosse Coach Upper School English Department Chair & Teacher B.A. Middlebury College M.A. Middlebury College At Middlebury College, Coach Martinson played soccer for four years and won numerous awards including NESCAC Rookie of the Year and NESCAC Player of the Year. On the lacrosse field, Coach Martinson was a three-year starter and two-time NCAA Division III champion. Coach Martinson was also an NCAA AllAmerican in alpine skiing. Before coming to Berwick, Coach Martinson worked at Vermont Academy and in the Athletics Department at Williams College.
WHERE CAN YOU FIND
our
ATHLETES BERWICK ? AFTER GRADUATING FROM
STANFORD UNIVERSITY CREW
I look forward to sports every day at Berwick. While all of my coaches at Berwick have their own styles, they all have a common foundation: they lead us with a great balance of firmness and understanding. They challenge us, but they support and respect us at the same time. Berwick Athletics is the best part of my day, every day. I could not ask for a better experience. JACK McCRAVEN ’17
COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS LACROSSE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE ICE HOCKEY SOCCER PROVIDENCE COLLEGE ICE HOCKEY
OFFERINGS
BOSTON COLLEGE GOLF UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE ICE HOCKEY LACROSSE WILLIAMS COLLEGE CREW ICE HOCKEY WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY BASKETBALL CREW
FALL WINTER Soccer Cross Country Field Hockey Golf
Basketball Ice Hockey Swimming
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY SWIMMING HAMILTON COLLEGE FIELD HOCKEY LACROSSE BABSON COLLEGE GOLF BOWDOIN COLLEGE SWIMMING FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL SOCCER
SPRING SUMMER Lacrosse Baseball Softball
Tennis Crew Girls Golf
Dance camp Lacrosse camp Soccer camp
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
BLUE AND WHITE SPIRIT WEEK
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pportunities for leadership, exploration, and engagement outside of the classroom are all important aspects of the Berwick experience. Students are invited to engage in clubs, activities, and social events that occur both on and off campus.
The Berwick Academy community is unlike any other group of people I have been a part of. Regardless of the degree of our relationship, there was always a connection that was shown by a simple smile and greeting. No matter whether we had ever held a conversation or not, we shared a common love and appreciation for the hilltop. KATHERINE REID ’16 Tufts University ’21
COFFEEHOUSE
Upper School Community Events MORNING ASSEMBLY In the Upper School, we put a tremendous emphasis on our community and morning assembly is the foundation of our day. The focus of these assemblies can vary, including daily announcements, musical performances, reflections on important topics, spirit week competitions, games, and more.
BLUE AND WHITE SPIRIT WEEKS Upper Schoolers experience three spirit weeks during the school year. These weeks are filled with dress-down theme days, decorating the school, pep rallies, and a generally spirited atmosphere. There is also an inter-class competition, where points are tallied for the various spirit week activities.
WELLNESS B erwick Academy believes that wellness is essential to academic success. Through wellness, students gain an understanding of nutrition, stress management, and mental health, which are critical to graduates before they can attempt to tackle the world of higher education and beyond. The Walsh Wellness Center provides the physical space, programs, and resources to strengthen the School’s central core value of balance and highlights our commitment to the personal process of discovery, self-reflection, and growth.
COFFEEHOUSES Coffeehouses are a chance for students to perform numerous times a year in an informal, social setting. Music, dance, and theatrical presentations are encouraged.
ADVISORY GROUPS Advisory groups are designed to give students a time to meet with their advisor and his or her peers in a small group setting. This is a great time for students to share concerns and be with their group in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. The group is unique in that it’s a mix of grades 9-12, which gives students an opportunity to interact with others outside of their grade level.
COMMUNITY SERVICE DAYS Two days are set aside during the year so that the entire Upper School can participate in service around the greater Seacoast area, and engage in a variety of other community-building activities.
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The annual Winter Carnival is an all-school event designed to give our students a day off from classes to experience some fun during the height of the winter. Snow-related activities have included broomball on our man-made outdoor ice rink, our Acadarod (human-dog sled race) on the upper athletic fields, snow sculpture contests, capture the flag, and much more.
BERWICK INNOVATION CENTER While technically housed in the Jackson Library, the Berwick Innovation Center (BIC) is an organic and evolving program that reaches far beyond the physical Berwick Academy campus. BIC offers our students a way to articulate an intellectual passion and allows students to follow their interests and engage themselves in creative and imaginative projects.
FABRICATION STUDIO, INSPIRATION COMMONS
INSPIRATION COMMONS
The Inspiration Commons provides a collaborative learning space where students and faculty can gather, share, create, innovate, and, most importantly, inspire each other. Students are able to use the space to work on their Innovation Pursuits (IPs), attend classes, and collaborate with their peers. The space includes: a Fabrication Studio with 3D printers, a CNC (computer numerically controlled) routers, laser cutter, sewing machines, and hand tools; Digital Design Classroom (pictured above) with programs and tools for video and sound editing, web design, graphic design, photo editing, and animation; and an Exhibition Space.
INNOVATION PURSUITS Innovation Pursuits are endeavors that are driven, designed, and directed by individual inquiry. Berwick believes an IP is a valuable learning experience and can play an integral role in the college process.
FEATURED IP: GAGE ANDERSON , CLASS OF 2016 “Cancer and Biotechnology” Gage created an IP focused on cancer treatment and prevention, studying nutrition and lifestyle choices, genetic mutations, and nanotechnology. He interned in oncology units, shadowed radiologists, and interviewed cancer patients as well as research scientists as part of his study. Gage was accepted early decision to Carnegie Mellon University, School of Engineering. Additional IP projects and the colleges into which those students matriculated: Stanford University: “Serious Games & Resonance: a Multimedia Approach” Culinary Insitute of America: “Culinary Explorations” Worcester Polytechnic Institute: “Aquaponics” Tisch School of the Arts at NYU: “An Exploration into Authentic Music Recording” Colby College: “Conservation of North American Birds” Swarthmore College: “Gregorian Chant: A Study in Medieval Music, History & Calligraphy”
BEYOND BERWICK
ROME, ITALY: The trip to Italy affords students an opportunity to examine the connections between science, art, and math as seen through historic and contemporary art, architecture, and culture. Our student travelers visit Venice, Florence, Pisa, Assisi, the ruins of Pompeii, Island of Capri, and Rome, where they learn about the contributions of thinkers and artists such as Giotto, Galileo, Brunelleschi, and Leonardo Da Vinci, in the places of their work and discovery. This program is open to all Upper School students.
IRELAND
ROMANIA
GERMANY
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES: STUDY ABROAD & SERVICE TRIPS BELGIUM
MONTANA
CUBA
FRANCE
SPAIN
CHINA
COSTA RICA ITALY
GUATEMALA
ECUADOR and GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
SOUTH AFRICA
INDIA
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erwick is committed to offering authentic travel experiences that are connected to curriculum, service learning, or extra-curricular initiatives. Political, economic, social, and environmental systems no longer exist in isolation and, as a result, cultural competency is a 21st century skill of incredible value. A global education at Berwick develops the knowledge, skills, and empathy required to understand a myriad of perspectives and to flourish in the most diverse and cosmopolitan of communities. Our curriculum focuses on expanding students’ global knowledge in a classroom setting and incorporating a travel component to domestic and international destinations. This two-pronged approach enables students to truly understand and appreciate other cultures through immersion and hands-on learning.
EXPLORING CUBA: Upper School students explore Havana and Central Cuba on this historical, cultural, and eco-immersion summer expedition. Curricular themes include: Cuban art and architecture through changing times, modern Cuba versus Old Havana, French influence on Cuban culture, endemic species, educational systems, biodiversity and the rare Cuban landscape, slavery in Cuba and the world, and history, politics and government of Cuba.
COLLEGE COUNSELING
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erwick Academy provides personalized college counseling that focuses on the passions, talents, and goals of each student. We believe that finding the right college requires thoughtful self-analysis, careful research, and continual support from college advisors, teachers, and parents. We encourage all students to explore a myriad of options and to develop a college list that reflects their individual objectives.
OUR STUDENT-CENTERED COLLEGE ADVISING PROGRAM BEGINS IN THE NINTH GRADE AND COVERS: • • • • • •
Academic advising Extracurricular advising Test preparation and planning Essay writing Interview skills Scholarship and financial aid information
With both individual and small group meetings, e-newsletters, and evening programs by grade level, students and parents are provided with all the information and tools they need to successfully navigate the college process. Our families appreciate the breadth and depth of our communication.
MEET OUR COLLEGE COUNSELORS MOIRA MCKINNON ’88 Director of College Counseling Certified Educational Planner B.A. Georgetown University Certificate in College Counseling with Distinction, UCLA Moira is a member of several college counseling organizations, including: The National Association of College Admissions Counseling, The New England Association of College Admissions Counseling, The College Board, and The Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools. She has presented at the New England Association of College Admissions Counseling Annual Meeting and at the Maine Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
LYNNE O’SHAUGHNESSY Assistant Director of College Counseling B.A. Hamilton College M.Ed. Plymouth State University Lynne came to Berwick Academy from the New England Association for College Admission Counseling (NEACAC) as their Executive Director. She led the association for seven years and in that time, established hundreds of connections with admission counselors at colleges and universities in New England and beyond. She worked in the admissions offices at several institutions prior to her work with NEACAC. Additionally, she was both an academic advisor and career counselor at the University of New Hampshire.
Our students gain admission to more than 100 different colleges annually. In the last five years, more than half of our students have attended college outside of New England; 6% have attended college internationally. Below is a partial list of the schools Berwick students have recently attended.
• EVERGREEN COLLEGE • UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
REED COLLEGE
• STANFORD UNIVERSITY • UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY
• COLORADO COLLEGE • UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
• • • •
DENISON UNIVERSITY
CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY DREXEL UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA LAFAYETTE COLLEGE
TULANE UNIVERSITY
• BOWDOIN COLLEGE • BATES COLLEGE • COLBY COLLEGE
• DARTMOUTH COLLEGE • UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY • MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE • UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT
• • • • • • •
HARVARD UNIVERSITY WILLIAMS COLLEGE AMHERST COLLEGE MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY TUFTS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
BROWN UNIVERSITY • • • •
• • • • •
• •
ELON UNIVERSITY
• • •
YALE UNIVERSITY TRINITY COLLEGE WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY CONNECTICUT COLLEGE
CORNELL UNIVERSITY BARNARD COLLEGE SKIDMORE COLLEGE NEW YORK UNIVERSITY HAMILTON COLLEGE
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND COLLEGE OF WILLIAM & MARY
YOUR PATH TO BERWICK ACADEMY VISIT
FINANCIAL AID
There are many ways to visit our campus. Attend an upcoming event or schedule a tour to learn more about our dynamic community.
Berwick Academy is proud to offer need-based financial aid, with over one third of families receiving some form of financial support. Berwick’s financial aid budget of over $3.9 million reflects the School’s commitment to partnering with families, and to promoting the belief that access to the best PK-to-12 school in the Seacoast should be possible for all qualified students. Berwick Academy utilizes School and Students Services by NAIS for financial aid and federal tax returns to determine financial need and award grants. For more information, contact the Admission Office at 207.384.6300 or admissions@berwickacademy.org.
camp
Berwick in Action
Visit our campus and see our students and faculty in action. Visits are held monthly on a Friday morning. Check our website for dates.
Campus Tour and Interview
Email us at admissions@berwickacademy.org or call us at 207.384.6300 to schedule a personalized tour and interview.
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TRANSPORTATION Berwick has eight bus routes, offering Wifi on board all buses. Families may select round-trip, one-way, or pay-per-ride busing. An afternoon activities bus is available to all students as well. New stops in Manchester, NH; Scarborough, ME; Byfield, MA; and Haverhill, MA were added in 2016. In addition to the bus, many families opt to carpool with their neighbors.
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CAMPUS MAP KEY 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19.
The Walsh Wellness Center at Oakes House Burleigh Davidson (Admission Office) The 1791 House The Commons Dining Hall The Kendall Lower School Tennis Courts The Clement Middle School The Athletic Center Field 1 The Jackson Library, Inspiration Commons Field 2 - Fogg Field Patricia Baldwin Whipple Arts Center Fogg Memorial The Jeppesen Science Center Field 3, Turf Field Baseball Field Field 4 Softball Field Field 5
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BERWICK ACADEMY
31 Academy Street South Berwick, Maine 03908 207.384.6300 www.berwickacademy.org
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