BRUNSWICK SCHOOL
DECEMBER 2011
MONTHLY MAILING A MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER The “Greatest Generation” vs. the “Trophy Generation” It seems to me, people are increasingly willing to blame others for the occasional setbacks which inevitably befall them. From my perspective as an educator, I understand that we all get frustrated when things don’t go the way we would like them to go, but my curiosity is not derived from that inherently human trait. Rather, I am struck with a sense that I cannot shake (which I acknowledge may be unfounded or ill-informed) that there is actually more “blaming-of-others” going on than there used to be. So often in the news (more often the local variety than the national) we see people to whom bad things have happened (often terrible things) and so often it is clear that the victim is looking for someone or something to blame. Storms, accidents, bad luck are often the cause of much suffering. I expect that has always been true. How Americans are handling these setbacks seems somewhat different, however, than in past generations. Specifically, we seem less able and less resilient in dealing with the setbacks that come our way. Setbacks - some that, in hindsight we might have avoided as well other setbacks that we could do nothing to avoid. No matter the cause, setbacks so often now seem to be met with an attitude of outrage instead of resilience; an expression of injustice as opposed to determination to set things right. Stoicism, fighting spirit, the New England “work ethic” or even what the British used to call a “stiff upper lip” seems to be harder and harder to come by these days. Several weeks ago, we held an Upper School Assembly for Louis Zamparini (of Unbroken fame) and although Mr. Zamparini was ill and unable to attend, he was represented by former Olympian John Naber who addressed the boys and answered their questions. One question from a freshman was whether Mr. Zamparini felt the current generation of youth could handle the challenges which Mr. Zamparini himself overcame. The answer: a resounding, “I doubt it.” Clearly, Mr. Zamparini’s sense was that today’s youth are far less able to absorb and deal with setbacks and that our nation is suffering and will continue to suffer as a result. All this leads back to Brunswick School in that high on the list of important lessons that we want our boys to learn is the essential nature of self-reliance and resilience. History has proven and will prove again that blaming others has a relatively modest track record of success. Perseverance, on the other hand, is the foundation of many a great success story. Zamparini was a part of what Tom Brokaw coined as the “Greatest Generation,” the generation that persevered through the Great Depression and fought and won WWII for our country. We have to work hard to make sure that our boys don’t become part of the “Trophy Generation,” that generation that is always used to winning, to getting a trophy whether they win or lose, to being often praised and rarely encouraged to be better. So often today, when things don’t go just right for a person, the most obvious sentiment that is expressed is one of surprise; surprise that life can, at times, be hard; surprise that there isn’t a trophy out there for every level of performance; surprise that there isn’t an easy fix to complex problems . . . and most of all, surprise that it might be more up to them to improve their situation than for others to fix it for them. At Brunswick, may our boys always learn and strive to overcome setbacks rather than allowing themselves the indulgence of self-pity. It isn’t the fact that bad things happen from time to time that will define them (as that experience is true for everyone). Rather it is how they face those challenges that will ultimately set them apart for the better.
DECEMBER 2011
Upper school
From The Deans’ Office: December is a notably short and busy month here in the Upper School. While there are actually only 14 days of school this month, each one, seemingly, includes one special event or another. Notes for December: 2nd Interim: The half way point of the Second Quarter (the 2nd Interim) is Friday, December 2nd. As with all Interims, at that time teachers will mail home comments for all students who are currently performing at a level below C- in any given course. Latin Carol Service: This wonderfully popular annual tradition will be held this year on Monday, December 12th beginning at 7:00pm at Christ Church, Greenwich. Please join us for an evening of classical readings and song. Dates to Remember in December: 12/2 End of 2nd Interim 12/7 MAP Network Potluck Dinner 12/12 Latin Carol Concert Christ Church, Greenwich 12/13 US Holiday Concert Baker Theater, Maher Avenue 12/20 All School Holiday Assembly At King Street and Dismissal 1/4 Classes Resume
7pm
Upper School Holiday Concert: This year's holiday concert will be held on Tuesday, December 13th, at 7:00pm. The concert will be held at Brunswick’s Baker Theater on the Maher Avenue Campus and as space is limited, I encourage all those wishing a seat to arrive promptly!
Holiday Dismissal: Our vacation will begin at the end of classes on Tuesday, December 20th. Classes will resume on Wednesday, January 4th. Your sons have worked exceedingly hard since the start of the school year way back in September; they are, of course, looking forward to this well deserved time away from school. We want to take this opportunity, however, to encourage you to keep time away from school to those days specifically reserved for vacation. Early dismissals and late returns put your son at an academic disadvantage so close to exam time. On behalf of the faculty, we would like to wish you and your family all the best during this special season. 7pm
Snow Bulletin: If there is a delayed opening or a school cancellation due to bad weather, we will make every attempt to use the Brunswick automated messaging system. Parents may also check the Brunswick School website (www.brunswickschool.org), tune into your local radio stations (WGCH or WSTC), or call the school after 6:00am on the main number (203-625-5800) for cancellation or delay information. New Community Service Newsletter page: Please be sure to read the new Upper School Community Service bulletin on the flip side of this month’s December calendar. Johnny Montanez, Brunswick US Director of Community Service, will update everyone each month on people and projects under way in Upper School. And also be sure to check out the new Community Service website: community.brunswickschool.org Looking Forward: It is worth our emphasizing here how swiftly mid-term exams follow upon our return to school after vacation. Thus, despite the fact that there is ample time in January for review, it would be wise for your son to reserve some time over the course of the vacation to do some preliminary and well-measured preparation. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!!!!
MIDDLE school
DECEMBER 2011
From Sarah Burdett: At the beginning of November, the Middle School hosted our first ever parent-son book club. “Pageturners,” as the boys have named the club, was a great success. We had boys and parents from each grade level represented. The novel we read, Trouble, provided opportunity for thoughtful discussion about generosity of spirit as well as effectiveness of writing style. We very much appreciate the effort and input from all who attended. We eagerly await the announcement of our next book title! Holiday Toy Drive: The Middle School community is busily preparing for our annual Holiday Gift Drive to benefit children and their families in Port Chester, NY. Each homeroom will again “adopt” the same families we reached out to during Thanksgiving and will be responsible for providing gifts for the children. If possible, please encourage the boys to shop for the gifts with you. Reminder: FCD Week: During the week of November 28th , Glenn Hall - a Freedom from Chemical Dependency representative – will work primarily with 8th graders (although he will spend some time with 6th & 7th graders) and offer an evening session for 8th grade parents and boys, which will take place on Dates to Remember in December: Tuesday, November 29th at 7:00 PM in the Camuto Auditorium. We encourage all 8th grade families to 11/29 FCD Parent Coffee, Grades 5-7 8:15am attend. For parents of 5th -7th graders who might want to FCD 8th Grade Parent/Son Evening 7:00pm meet with Glen, we will schedule a coffee at 8:15 AM 12/1-2 MS Musical on Tuesday, November 29th in the Dining Hall. 12/2 5th Grade Conference Day – No School for 5th Graders 12/9 Mayfair Middle School Musical: We are looking forward to 12/16 Mayfair two entertaining performances of “Seussical”on 12/19 Holiday Choral Concert (5th-8th) – Camuto 7:00pm Thursday, December 1st at 7:00 PM and Friday, 12/20 Holiday Break -Early Dismissal 1:00pm December 2nd at 3:30 PM in the Baker Theatre at the 1/4 Classes Resume Maher Avenue campus. 1/12 Holiday Instrumental Concert (6th-8th) – Camuto 6:00pm Middle School Winter Concerts: We are once again looking forward to our winter concerts which will give our boys a chance to demonstrate their musical talents. The Choral Concert for Grades 5-8 will also take place in Camuto Auditorium on the evening of Monday, December 19th and will begin at 7:00 PM. The Instrumental Concert for Grades 6-8 will be performed after the holiday break on Thursday, January 12th , in Camuto Auditorium at 6:00 PM. The concerts will last approximately 55 minutes. 5th Graders will be performing only on Monday December 19th. Reminder: Cell Phones and I-Pods: Use of cell phones and I-pods is not permitted during the school day. While we understand the need for boys to have phones for coordinating after school plans, they are not to use their phones during the day. Phones must be turned off during school hours. Any communication home must be made from the office. In addition, boys may use I-Pods on the bus to and from school but not during school hours. Holiday Break: Our holiday break will begin on Tuesday, December 20th with early dismissal @ 1:00. Bus service will be available. We will return to school on Wednesday, January 4th. Please arrange travel plans around these dates. On behalf of the entire Middle School Faculty, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.
PRE
and
LOWER school
DECEMBER 2011
From Katie Signer and Gina Hurd: As the temperature drops, we are encouraging all Pre and Lower School boys to bring a warm jacket, hat and gloves to school. Boys will continue to have outdoor recess time and warm clothes are essential. In addition, we want to remind all Lower School parents that khaki shorts should be put away until after Spring Break. As a reminder, school uniform guidelines require all Lower School boys to wear long pants after Thanksgiving Break. Boys should remember their belts and brown sweaters as well. We were so proud of the 55 third and fourth graders who ran for Student Council offices. Congratulations to our elected officers -President: Nicky Winegardner; Vice President: Logan Darrin; Secretary: Campbell Taylor; Treasurer: Gavin Molloy -- and the members at large who will lead the school in our service learning initiatives. Our Student Council advisors, Mrs. Das and Mr. Coughlin, noted how pleased they were to see so many boys run for office, and we commend them for delivering their speeches with such courage and poise. Encore Winter Programs: Our winter session of clubs will begin on Monday, January 9th. Please check your son’s Friday Folder on December 2nd as a description of the offerings should be enclosed. All registration forms should be returned to the Lower School office by Tuesday, December 6th. Pre Kindergarten Cubs: Our Cubs program is available Dates to Remember in December: to all Pre Kindergarten families whose sons would enjoy an 12/3 PS/LS Father/Son Breakfast 8am -10am afternoon of stimulating, creative activities, Monday and/or 12/6 1st Gr. Trip to Nutcracker 9:15am -12pm Wednesday from 11:45 am dismissal until 2:45 pm. If your 12/6 BPA PS Assembly, “Hobey Ford” 1:30pm son is not currently enrolled or you would like to make 12/12 K to Stepping Stones Museum 9:15am -12pm changes for the second semester, please contact Beth 12/14 Pre School Holiday Concert 10:00am Barsanti at bbarsanti@brunswickschool.org. 12/15 Encore Ends 12/19 LS Holiday Concert 6:00pm Father/Son Breakfast at the King Street campus: A 12/20 All School Holiday Assembly 8:30am great way to start your day! Saturday, Dec. 3rd, all Pre and 12/20 Early Dismissals: PS 11:45am Lower School dads are invited to our annual Father/Son Grs. 1 & 2 12:15pm Breakfast. Come and enjoy a hearty breakfast in the Lower Grs. 3 & 4 12:30pm Buses 12:30pm School cafeteria between 8 and 10am. Don’t forget your 12/21-1/3 Holiday Break (Classes resume Jan. 4) sneakers, as the Burke Field House will be available for you and your son to play games and get early morning exercise. “Giving Tree” Service Project: This year, the Lower School will host a “Giving Tree” that will adorn our Lower School atrium. All boys and teachers are encouraged to bring a gift card or an unwrapped gift for a child or teenager and place it beneath the tree. All proceeds will be delivered to the local organization, Kids in Crisis. As we seek to help others in need, we are hopeful this project will focus the attention of our community on the spirit of giving. Donations may be brought to the atrium anytime between December 5th and 16th. Stay tuned for more specific details from our Student Council in the weeks to come. Mitten Tree: Pre School boys are invited to donate new or gently used mittens, gloves, scarves, hats and warm socks from December 5th -16th. The donated items will serve as tree ornaments, so please feel free to hang them directly on the branches of the tree located in the Pre School Library. We look forward to celebrating the holiday season with all of our families. Under the guidance of Ms. Wamunyu, our Pre and Lower School boys have been working hard to prepare for their holiday concerts. Be sure to mark your calendars and come get in the holiday spirit. All boys are asked to wear long khaki pants and a “festive” holiday sweater. > Pre School Holiday Concert: Wednesday, December 14th, 10 am, Baker Theater Parking will be available in the Pre and Upper School lots. > Lower School Holiday Concert: Monday, December 19th, 6 pm, Burke Field House Lower School boys should arrive at the Burke Field House between 5:30 and 5:45pm and will gather in the Wrestling Room. In order to facilitate a smooth dismissal at the end of the concert, we encourage parents to hold on to your son’s coat during the performance. Students will follow an early dismissal schedule on Tuesday, Dec. 20th and classes will resume on Wednesday, Jan. 4th. Please schedule your vacation time accordingly. The Pre and Lower School faculty and staff extend warmest wishes to our families for a joyful, healthy and peaceful holiday season.
BRUNSWICK PARENTS ASSOCIATION NEWS
DECEMBER 2011
President’s Letter President’s Letter October's snowstorm did not stop Bridgette Jean-Jacques and Kim Augustine from hosting an amazing Book Fair. A lack of electricity was not to deter their entire committee who rallied together to make this year's event a huge success! Even an enthusiastic "thank you" doesn't seem adequate. The BPA truly appreciates your efforts overcoming countless unforeseen obstacles to pull off such a successful event! Thank you also to all the families who supported this year's event under those conditions. Rest up because we still have many events planned over the balance of the school year including Skate Night, Bingo Night, and Parent Programs and, of course, the May 12th Benefit! Wishing you a safe, peaceful holiday season that is full of lasting memories. Christina Kazazes, President, Brunswick Parents Association Bearly Used Closet Need a holiday sweater for the Lower School concert? Come check out the selection in the Bearly Used Closet. Then gear up for 2012! We've got lots of skates, helmets and hockey pads for ice time this winter. We also have a number of winter coats and fleeces, school uniforms and blazers. The Bearly Used Closet has sizes for Pre-K through Upper School and is located in the lower lobby of the Lower School. As always, we greatly appreciate your clothing and equipment donations! All proceeds benefit BPA programs. Upper School Performing Arts: Congratulations to the talented cast and crew of "Black Comedy", as well as Seth Potter, Matthew Kirby-Smith and Abby Redmond for such a masterful and fine production. Brunswick actors were welcomed to the Massey Stage of Greenwich Academy in Dawn Fuller's production of "An Evening With Brunstetter and Durang". Auditions for the winter musical "Guys and Dolls", were held, and we look forward to the prodcution directed by Seth Potter, with musical direction by Alexander Constantine, to be held on March 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 2012 in Baker Theater. This month will feature Brunswick singers participating in the Latin Carol Service at Christ Church at 7pm on Monday Dec 12th. The Upper School Holiday Concert, will be held on December 13th at 7pm. Please mark this on your calendar, it's sure to bring some Holiday cheer, with instrumental and vocal ensembles under the direction of Paul Raaen, Shane Kirsch and Alexander Constantine. Thank you for supporting the Arts at Brunswick and hoping you will enjoy the many wonderful performances in which the boys are involved this winter. Assemblies The Pre School welcomes back Hobey Ford and his new production of World Tales. We hope the boys bring their own imaginative performances home after this assembly. Music will come alive this fall in the Lower School. In November Paul Raaen will bring the Blue Notes to kick off our Music in the Atrium series. The following month the Yale Alley Cats singing group will visit the Lower School boys for a fun and a festive morning of songs. Book Fair Thank you to all who came to shop at the Book Fair—even in the snowstorm! We hope you enjoyed the Preview Party and the Myachi demonstration. Maybe your son even learned how to cradle, trampoline or crush his own Myachi! We especially want to thank all the volunteers who contributed their time and creative talents to help make this year's Book Fair a great success. We could not have done it without our committee chairs: Preview Party- Paola Coughlin & Lisa Ledjstrom Communications- Belinda Badcock Volunteer Coordinator- Pam Fontana Set-Up Logistics- Binney Huffman Classroom Donations- Catherine Farello Technology- Christine Walker Book Marks- Anne Marie Hesser & Amy McGrath Library Donations- Mia Newton, Sara Howard & Julia Gilbert Merchandise- Mimi Citarella A big thank you also goes to those who contributed books to enhance our libraries and classrooms. Finally, we would be remiss if we did not thank Sunil Gupta, Tim Coupe, Chuck Redahan and the entire maintenance team for the support they give this event year after year. Bridgette Jean-Jacques and Kim Augustine
BRUNSWICK PARENTS ASSOCIATION NEWS
DECEMBER 2011
Middle School Performing Arts Brunswick School and Greenwich Academy are pleased to present "Seussical, Jr.!" Thursday, December 1st, 7:00 pm Baker Theater Brunswick Upper School Friday, December 2nd, 3:30 pm Baker Theater Brunswick Upper School If tickets are sold out at this writing, we encourage you to attend the dress rehearsal on Wednesday, November 30th at 5:30pm Admission for the dress rehearsal is free, but a donation of any Dr. Seuss book (newly or gently used) would be appreciated, as they will be donated to a school in need. Mayfair - To the parents of all 5th and 6th graders December Schedule Friday, December 9th Friday, December 16th – Holiday Dance, Parents Invited Grade 5: 4-5pm, Grade 6: 5:30-6:30pm The last Mayfair dance of the year will take place on Friday, December 16th. This final session will be the Holiday Dance to which parents or grandparents are invited. It is a Mayfair tradition for each child to dance with his guest. Please mark the date on your calendar for this festive event and a small celebration afterwards. Please contact Catherine Cone at catherinecone@earthlink.net or Tracy Grossman at tracygrossman@optonline.net to register your son. It's not too late to sign up for Lovely Manners sponsored by the BPA even if you did not participate in Mayfair! For a special rate of $90 payable to the BPA your child can participate in three fun and interactive manners classes taught by Jill Ciporin at www.lovelymanners.com. Classes include: Everyday Manners at Home, Manners At the Table, and Manners Out in the World and will be held in the Brunswick Pre-School Gym. Friday, January 6th Friday, January 27th Friday, February 3rd Grade 5: 4-5pm, Grade 6: 5:30-6:30pm Attire: Dresses or nice pants for girls. Tucked in collared shirts with cords, khakis, or nice jeans for boys. Please contact Catherine Cone at catherinecone@earthlink.net with additional questions. Teacher Appreciation We are continuing with our monthly raffle drawings for our very deserving teachers. Gift cards and sporting tickets are just a few ideas for donations to the faculty raffle. We try to have ten or eleven teachers win each month, so donations from our parent body are welcome and necessary to keep this program going strong. Please send gift cards or other donations to Rene Chronert, 10 Marlow Court, Riverside, CT 06878. Thank you! November faculty raffle winners were PS-Meredith McLennan, LS- Elizabeth Vericker, Timothy Ostrye, MS-Marcus Chioffi, Nicholas Stevens, US-Brendan Gilsenan, Leslie Harris, Thomas Nins, and Paul Scheufele. Deborah Hull was the lucky winner of a week at a fabulous Okemo condo donated by one of our very generous parents. Skate Night Skate Night will be held on Friday, January 27th from 3:30 to 6pm at Hartong Rink. The first hour is received for Pre School boys only. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Heather Anderson at heatheranderson@optonline.net or Martine Vuursteen at vuursteen@gmail.com. Family Bingo Night Calling all Bingo Players!!! Bingo Night will be on Friday, February 10th from 6pm -8pm at Burke Field House. There will be a few grade wide prizes awarded plus every child leaves with one individual prize! Come enjoy an evening of fun with your friends and family! Contact Jill Raker at jraker@greenbriarequity.com or Christine Fouts at christinefouts01@yahoo.comif you would like to volunteer to help or have any questions.
Way-to-Play Way-to-Play offers a valuable service in exchange for a donation to the Derek Jeter Way-to-Play Foundation. The president, Willy Fein, and the members of his club offer fun-filled, sports-oriented birthday parties for kids in the Brunswick Lower and Middle Schools. The boys have received much positive feedback from Brunswick families, which you can read on the CS website! Clubs The Community Service office has given guidelines to any club that states they are community service oriented. Each club must complete a total of 30 hours of service to their organization, prior to beginning their fundraising efforts. Why? According to Mr. Montanez, “there is a complete difference between fund raising and community service. Most of us are compassionate people who see a need and want to help fix it. While this is admirable, students should understand that giving your time to an organization is just as important, or in some cases more important, than giving a monetary gift to that same organization.” Garden Club, Hope Zimbabwe, Way-to-Play, Stop Sarcoma, and World Vision have all met the 30-hour pre-fundraising requirement. Another 10 clubs are close to meeting the requirement. One junior mentioned, “this time requirement separates the clubs who take this seriously from the ones who are just trying to post another item on their college transcript.” Advisories Step Up With the giving season rapidly approaching, it is nice to know that our Brunswick boys have been giving consistently for the past two months, and that they have exceeded all expectations in helping our local and surrounding communities during these tough times. The boys have already donated and distributed clothing to the homeless. Advisories have organized activities and tutoring in schools and after-school centers. Intramural programs have spent time at the Boys’ and Girls’ Club as well as the Eagle Hill School. Service is being done, and the community is excited about it. The boys and our teachers should be applauded for all that has been accomplished so far. During this time of year, the season of giving, Brunswick has traditionally been extremely supportive of those in need. This year is no different. Each Upper School advisory put together three Thanksgiving baskets, each designed to feed a large, Greenwich or Stamford family who is in need during the holiday. Students created a total of 159 baskets that will be distributed to 159 families utilizing or attending the Thomas Edison School, St. Luke’s Life Works, and the Family Centers of Greenwich. It is important to note that the Upper School was not alone in this endeavor as Brunswick’s Lower and Middle Schools also conducted food drives as well. The baskets and the drives represent yet another fabulous community service opportunity for the boys. Community service has come out of the gate running this year. In the first quarter alone, the school has completed nearly 200 hours of hands-on service geared to give students first-hand experience with people in immediate need in our surrounding area. By exposing us all to the authentic struggles of others, we are able to appreciate our own situations that much more. There is no doubt that we are all “SUPA BUSY,” but it is important to take a minute to realize that as a school, we have completed a significant amount of community service in only two months, and we have each done our part making a difference by simply doing a little more. Thank you to each of you and Happy Holidays! COMMUNITY SERVICE TRIP TO INDIA (Summer 2012): Brunswick is proud, and pleased to offer the opportunity of a lifetime to make a difference in this world. Next June, we are planning a trip to Kolkata (Calcutta) in India with the help of Promise Worldwide, a non-profit organization serving 200 children from impoverished conditions. Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of West Bengal and one of the largest cities in India. Students will spend ten days working with young people, teaching English, sports, and helping to build an addition on their schoolhouse. For more information, please see the Brunswick Community Service website: community.brunswickschool.org Neighbor to Neighbor Food Drive: Brunswick’s Upper School will make monthly donations to Neighbor to Neighbor Food Pantry during the 2011-12 academic year. On the last Thursday of each month, donations will be collected and delivered by Mrs. Beattie’s grade 11 advisory to the pantry in the Christ Church annex in Greenwich. The following items are suggested: canned vegetables, canned fruit, juices, soups, beans, tuna, pasta, rice, cereal, “extras” such as baking mixes, olives, sauces, condiments and of course, any other non-perishables. Neighbor to Neighbor website: www.n-to-n.org Contact person at Brunswick: Johnny Montanez (Director of Community Service) at jmontanez@brunswickschool.org or Margot Beattie at mbeattie@brunswickschool.org.
Don’t miss joining the Brunswick Parents’ Association! The BPA needs your support for the 2011-2012 academic year. Please mail in your $25 dues with the convenient tear strip below. Additional contributions towards general donations and Teacher Appreciation are also welcome. Please tear off the form below and enclose it with your check made payable to Brunswick Parents’ Association, 100 Maher Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830. If you pay by bookstore charge, you may scan and email your form to cnbednar@gmail.com or fax to 203-422-5393.
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Check made payable to Brunswick Parents’ Association Bookstore Charge (Son’s name ____________________________ Grade____) Name:
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