BRUNSWICK SCHOOL
MAY / JUNE 2012
MONTHLY MAILING A MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER An Update from the Lab… As you may know, this year we have added a new Advanced Science Research class to our Upper School Science curriculum and have coupled that offering with a newly constructed science research laboratory. Even more importantly, we have staffed the new position with a wonderfully experienced and committed educator, Dana Montanez, Co-Chair of the Science Department. As with many things, although my expectations were high for the long-term success of this program, I fully expected it would take a year or two to get things off the ground. I was wrong. Of the FIVE projects derived from this course that Brunswick School entered in the CT Science Fair, THREE were selected as finalists, TWO more were awarded 2nd Honors and a THIRD was awarded 3rd Honors. A Comparative Analysis of Bio-Diesel Emissions Versus Emissions of Petroleum Diesel by Vikram Bodas, Matt Mayfield and Reed Schultz was recognized as follows: - Finalists - First Honors - United Technologies Award in Physical Science - CT Clean Energy Fund Alternative/Renewable Energy Award - Dominion Physical Science Award Spencer McDonough’s study, The Efficiency of Air Multiplication Technology v. The Efficiency of Bladed Fan Technology was recognized as follows: - Finalist - 2nd Honors - Office of Naval Research Institute Award from the US Navy and US Marine Corps - Barnes Aerospace Applied Technology Award Ashish Ramachandran’s study, Psuedoscience or Agriculturally Beneficial? The Effects of Magnetic Water on the Growth of Legumes was recognized as follows: - 2nd Honors - Alumni High School Botany Award John Erdman’s study, The Effect of Different Protein Sources on the Growth and Development of Tenebrio molitor was recognized as follows: - 2nd Honors Tommy Tranfo’s study, An Investigation of the Effects of Distraction on Concentration was recognized as follows: - 3rd Honors As you have perhaps noticed, I don’t usually use this space to specifically recognize members of our community by name. We are blessed with so many students (and faculty) who achieve success on a regular basis that doing so would become a monthly report. However, such a high level of achievement with such a new program seemed to merit a special exception and, as this is an important and exciting new initiative of the school, I could not resist celebrating the success of our boys and or their teacher. Well done all!
MAY / JUNE 2012
Upper school
From The Deans’ Office: May is the last full month of school. As with all school years, it is hard to believe that the time has passed so swiftly. A phenomenon of school life is that school years rarely, if ever, end with anything other than a mad rush. No doubt this year will prove true to the rule. Therefore, as is clear below, May is fully packed with a host of events and opportunities for all. Please take careful note of what follows and feel free to call with any related questions. Upper School Spring Play: At 7:00pm on the evenings of May 4th and 5th, we will be presenting the Upper School Spring Play, “Leaving Iowa.” We invite you and your family to attend either evening’s performance. SAT I and SAT II Administration: On Saturday, May 5th, SAT I and SAT II (subject tests) will be administered here at Brunswick School for most of our students who elect to sit for a test at this time. The tests will be held on the King Street campus and will begin promptly at 8:00am and students sitting for the tests should bring several #2 pencils, their admissions tickets, and some form of identification. Dates to Remember in May & June: 5/4 & 5 Spring Play “Leaving Iowa” Baker Theater 5/7-18 AP Exams 5/18 Senior Exams 5/20 GA Prom 5/21 Senior Seminars Senior Awards Senior/Faculty Dinner 5/22 Senior Breakfast Senior Seminars Senior Prom 5/23 GRADUATION 5/24&25 Exam Review Days 5/25 End of 4th Quarter 5/28 Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL 5/29-6/1 FINAL EXAMS 6/4 NO SCHOOL 6/5 US Exam Return Day Closing Exercises
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Advanced Placement Exams: Please see the AP exam schedule listed in each student’s Daily Planner. These tests will be administered over the weeks of May 7th and May 14th. These tests must be taken by all students currently enrolled in AP courses. Any student taking a test should arrive 15 minutes prior to the test's published starting time. Senior Exams: Seniors will take final exams as needed on Friday, May 18th. Senior Seminars: On Monday, May 21st, Seniors will begin Senior Seminars in an effort to further prepare them for life in college and beyond. Seniors boys should arrive at school at 9:00am. Seniors will also have a special breakfast on Tuesday morning, May 22nd, beginning at 7:30am in the Dining Hall. Senior Seminars will continue Tuesday morning at 9am and will conclude at noon. Senior Prom: The Senior Prom will be held on the evening of Tuesday, May 22nd and all Seniors should be dropped off at the Maher Avenue front lot no later than 5:00pm and picked up upon their return at midnight. All Senior parents should have recently received a detailed letter in this regard.
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Exam Review: Exam review for all underclassmen will be held over the course of the week of May 21 and most specifically, Thursday and Friday of that week will have a modified class schedule to ensure that all classes meet so as to adequately review for the upcoming final exams. st
Senior Awards Day and Senior/Faculty Dinner: All Upper School students will be expected to attend our Senior Awards Ceremony that will be held at 3:00pm on Monday, May 21st at King Street. The ceremony should end around 4:30pm and will be followed by the Senior/Faculty Dinner, held in Middle School Dining Hall beginning at 5:00pm. Graduation: Graduation for the Class of 2012 will be held at 3:00pm on Wednesday, May 23rd at King Street. All Upper School students will be expected to attend the ceremony in its entirety. Parents of underclassmen should plan on the ceremony concluding at or around 4:30pm. End of 4th Quarter: The final quarter of the year closes on Friday, May 25th. Shortly after the conclusion of exams (which will be administered the following week), a full report card and comments will be written for students who have encountered some measure of academic difficulty. Advisor comments on each student will also be written and will be emailed home as well. Memorial Day: On Monday, May 28th, there will be no school in observance of Memorial Day. Final Exams: Final Exams for all underclassmen will be administered from Tuesday, May 29th through Friday, June 1st. The Upper School Exam schedule can be found listed in each student’s Daily Planner. Exam Return and Closing Exercises: On Tuesday, June 5th, all underclassmen will run through a modified mini-class schedule (displayed in the Daily Planner) during which teachers will return exams. Those mini-classes will conclude promptly at 10:45am after which all underclassmen will go to King Street to join in Closing Exercises beginning at 11:30am. The ceremony should conclude around half past noon for pick up.
MIDDLE school
MAY / JUNE 2012
From Sarah Burdett: Spring has been very busy in the Middle School; the boys are working diligently and playing hard. As we conclude our school year, we would like to invite you to attend the many performances detailed below. May is the month of singing, dancing, and playing instruments. Please make note of the dates and times and join us as we watch our very talented Middle School students take to the stage. In addition, please review the various dismissal times after our final school events; the schedule differs a bit each day. Our thanks as always for your support over the course of this school year. Enjoy the peace of the summer months! Attendance and Lateness: Please make every effort in the last weeks of school to schedule appointments outside of school hours and to have boys in homeroom promptly at 8:05am. As we head into the final weeks of school, it is critical that the boys have a very consistent routine. Many thanks for your support. Middle School Spring Show Grades 6-8: This spring actors from Brunswick School and Convent of the Sacred Heart will be performing the musical, “Schoolhouse Rock,” under the direction of Dates to Remember in May and June: Alexander Constantine. Performances will take place in Camuto 5/3,4 MS Spring Play th th Auditorium on Thurs., May 3rd at 4:00pm and at CSH on Fri., May 4th 5/8 MS Choral Concert (6 -8 ) 6:00-7:00pm at 2:30pm. 5/12 Annual Benefit th th 5/17 MS Instrumental Concert (6 -8 ) 6:00-7:00pm Middle School Spring Choral Concert Grades 6-8: Tuesday, 5/23 Dismissal for MS 12:30pm May 8th at 6:00pm. Boys should wear a solid shirt (any color), a solid Upper School Graduation 3:00pm tie (any color), khaki pants, and dress shoes. Vocal warm-up will be at 5/24 Fifth Grade Spring Production 8:30am 5:30pm. 5/25 End of 3rd Trimester 5/28 NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day 5/30,31 Middle School Exams Middle School Spring Instrumental Concert Grades 6-8: 5/31 Dismissal @ 1:00pm Busses @ 3:45pm Thursday, May 17th at 6:00pm. Boys should wear their usual school 6/1 NO SCHOOL - Make-Up Exams dress minus the blazer. Instrumental warm-up will be at 5:30pm. 6/4 Exam Review Day 12:00pm Dismissal 6/5 Awards Day 11:30am - 1:00pm Early Dismissal – Graduation Day: On Wednesday, May 23rd, Middle Schoolers will be dismissed at 12:30pm to enable Middle School faculty and families to participate in Upper School Graduation at 3:00pm. Regular bus service will be available. “Celebrating the Fives:” Fifth grade families come celebrate your sons’ artistic talents on Thursday, May 24th. Fifth Grade Band Concert and “Fives Go to Work” will follow at 8:30am. (As stated in the letter, if parents are unable to attend the Thursday morning show, you may come to Tuesday afternoon’s full dress rehearsal.) End of 3rd Trimester: The final academic trimester will close on Friday, May 25th. At the end of the year, all students will receive a report card and teacher comments for those students who encountered difficulty in a course or on the exam (grade of "C-" or below). Advisors and Head Teachers will also write year-end reports on every boy in their homeroom. Report cards and comments will be emailed home the week of June 11th. Exams: Review for 6th – 8th final exams will begin on Friday, May 25h. Exams will be given on Wednesday, May 30st and Thursday, May 31st. The full exam schedule is included in this newsletter. Please note: 1) all boys will be required to stay at school until 3:30pm on Tuesday and Wednesday for exam review 2) we will have a 1:00pm dismissal on Thursday, May 31st but there will not be bus service until 3:45pm. Exam Debriefing Day: In an effort to provide time to debrief from 3rd trimester exams, we are conducting a half-day of abbreviated classes on Monday, June 4th. On this day, exams will be passed back and reviewed, providing the boys with an opportunity to learn what they can from this exam experience. Dismissal on June 4th will be at 12:00pm. Closing Exercises: The Brunswick Closing Exercise ceremony will take place Tuesday morning, June 5th at 11:30am in the Dann Gym here at King Street. All Middle School students are required to attend this program, which honors the achievements of both Middle and Upper Schoolers. Please drop your sons off at 11:00am on Tuesday and tell them to meet their Advisors/Head Teachers. Pick up on June 5th will be at 1:00pm.
PRE
and
LOWER school
MAY / JUNE 2012
From Gina Hurd and Katie Signer: Many thanks to the BPA for a wonderful Teacher Appreciation Day. The postcards and beautiful globes adorned with words of thanks were the perfect way for the boys to communicate their gratitude. Plus, the flowers were beautiful! Much appreciation also goes to our BPA Division Representatives, Afton Fraser and Meg Russell, and all of our parents for your overwhelming support this year. Field Day, May 15th: Pre and Lower School students will gather for a fun-filled athletic day coordinated by our fantastic physical education team. It will be a Lower School Civies Day and all boys will be asked to wear a red or white shirt depending on their team. The Pre School boys will travel to King Street with their teachers via the Brunswick shuttle bus. Following these events, the Student Council will sponsor a drink sale for the Lower School boys. Weather permitting, it promises to be a great afternoon. We are looking forward to celebrating the artistic talents and efforts of our Lower School boys at Arts Night 2012. All Lower School families are cordially invited to take part in this special night on Wednesday, May 16th. The festivities will begin at 6:00pm when everyone will gather in the Burke Field House for a delightful musical concert entitled “Brunswick on Broadway!” Under the direction of Ms. Wamunyu, boys in grades one through four will take us on a musical journey across the Broadway stage. You are sure to recognize some old favorites. Dates to Remember in May/June: Following the concert, we invite all families to enjoy a gallery of artwork 5/1 Kindergarten Parent Orientation (Maple Avenue) 10:00am displayed throughout the Lower School. Every boy’s artistic talent will be 5/1 PKS/S to Sam Bridge 12:45pm showcased so be sure to allow plenty of time for browsing and admiring. 5/2 1st Grade Parent Orientation (King Street) 8:30am With guidance from Ms. Amussen, the boys have created a truly 5/2 Kindergartens visit Lower School spectacular display. (Please note that Ms. Amussen has requested that the 5/2 1st Grade trip to Pepsico Sculpture Garden boys leave their artwork intact for the evening. We will be sure to get 5/3 PKE/M to Sam Bridge 12:45pm their treasures to you the following week.) 5/3 2nd Gr. Cinco de Mayo at Brunswick 9:00-10:00am 5/4 LS Appreciation Assembly 8:25am Pre School Closing: You are cordially invited to join us at 10:00am on 5/9 “Popsicle Playdate” for NEW Pre K boys 1:00-2:00pm Thursday, May 31st when we celebrate the closing of our Pre School. 5/10 Kdg. Mother/Son Tea 1:45-2:45pm The boys are asked to arrive a half-hour early at 9:30am. Pre 5/11 Pre K Mother’s Day Celebration 10:45am Kindergarten boys should be dressed in nice slacks and a collared shirt 5/15 PS/LS Field Day (no jackets please!); Kindergarten boys in slacks, jacket and tie. 5/16 Arts Night 6:00pm Refreshments will immediately follow giving everyone a chance to say 5/17 Pre K Class Party goodbye and take some memorable photos. Additional parking will be 5/18 BPA Sponsored LS Assembly, Quentin Quark available at the Woman’s Club. 5/21 Kdg. Class Party 5/22 Pre Kindergartens to Stamford Nature Center 10:30am Lower School Closing: Friday, June 1st is our last day of Lower 5/22 First Grade Class Party School. Traditionally, it is a special day for the Lower School boys, 5/23 Upper School Graduation teachers and parents to honor the Fourth Grade class as they prepare to Early Dismissal for Pre and Lower School move on to Middle School. All boys are required to attend the closing PS at 11:45am, 1st & 2nd Grs. at 12:00pm, 3rd & 4th Grs. ceremony that will begin at 10am. In addition, they are asked to wear at 12:15pm long khaki pants, with a jacket and tie and should arrive in their 5/24 Second Grade Class Party classrooms at 9:30am. If you are not attending the ceremony, please pick 5/25 Civies Day up your son at the Lower School at 11:30am. Please note that there will 5/28 NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day be no bus service on this day. 5/29 Third Grade Class Party 5/30 Fourth Grade Class Party Report Cards: Teachers will take time this month to carefully complete 5/31 Pre School Closing 10:00am a final report card documenting your son’s growth and learning this year. 6/1 Lower School Closing 10:00am All reports will be mailed home mid-June. ERB test results for third and fourth graders will also arrive in June. If you are interested in receiving your son’s scores, please notify Nancy Freyre and she will mail them to you. If you have any questions or need further help interpreting these scores, please be sure to call. Summer Work Assignments: Lower School students will receive their summer math, reading and writing assignments during the last week of school. We encourage the boys to spread the work over time and keep it in a safe place. All completed work should come to school next fall. Lost and Found: Be sure to claim your lost articles before the end of school. After June 15th, they will be donated to families in need. In closing, we offer congratulations to our boys at the completion of a wonderful year. Thank you for your hard work and boundless energy. Have a happy, healthy, and fun-filled summer!
BRUNSWICK PARENTS ASSOCIATION NEWS
MAY / JUNE 2012
President’s Letter Wow! Has it been a year already?! As I finish my ninth year as a Brunswick parent, I continue to be overwhelmed by the talent, enthusiasm and generosity of time shown by our Brunswick parents. So many parent volunteers work behind the scenes, often without recognition, helping to make Brunswick special. As the school year draws to a close, I would like to thank ALL of our Class Moms. Week after week, these moms oversee many of the routine details that are easy to take for granted while also coordinating the upcoming events for every grade. While their activities are visible, some of our BPA moms are not routinely recognized and I would like to take a moment to do so now. Many thanks to Maureen Forester and Patty Dudzik for their work coordinating our team moms; no small task given our many team sports and a three-season sports calendar. I would also like to recognize all the hard work done by Elizabeth Darling, Beth Rosencrans and Kathy Starrs LaBossiere assisting with the Middle and Upper School theater productions. Overseeing costumes, stage props and coordinating ticket sales is an enormous undertaking − BRAVO. Jane Sprung and Kim Buck oversaw Ways & Means this year and helped facilitate the funding of some of the BPA’s gifts donated to Brunswick. This year, Ways & Means exceeded their financial goals while also launching Fresh Green Light Driving School as an after-school option in the Upper School. A colossal thank you to both Jane and Kim for their tireless effort overseeing all this committee’s efforts. BPA gifts being donated to Brunswick this year include new scoreboards in both the Dann and Burke Gyms, library furniture in the Middle School, props and lighting in the Lower School and benches for the Pre School playground. As you know, May 12th brings our Bi-Annual Benefit, the proceeds of which will support Faculty Housing. What you may not know is that a year’s worth of work has gone into creating an evening that will not soon be forgotten. There are truly no words to express how grateful I am to Katie Boehly, Beth Pope and Tracy Miller for their vision, passion and endless energy in creating a fundraiser that is all about having fun. It is impossible to thank all of the individuals who have contributed to making this evening a success. Nonetheless, I want all of our volunteers to know that the BPA is so very grateful for your dedication and commitment toward making this a fabulous success. Finally, I want to offer Alison Troy, our incoming BPA President, my best wishes for the upcoming school year. Alison is one of the most capable and dedicated parents with whom I have had the pleasure of working. I am confident that we can expect many wonderful things under her leadership next year. Good luck, Alison! I am so proud of all the achievements the BPA accomplished this year. It has truly been my pleasure and honor to have served as your President. I genuinely thank all of you who have supported and assisted me over my term. Sincerely grateful, Christina Kazazes, President Bear Hugs A huge THANK YOU to everyone who volunteered this year to help Brunswick families in a time of crisis, especially those of you who cooked and delivered such delicious meals. It was truly heartwarming to see the immediate responses from members of the Brunswick community. Please remember, if you hear of a family who might need support during a life-altering event, don't hesitate to contact, in complete confidentiality, the BPA President or the Bear Hugs Chair. ~ Sally Polak, Bear Hugs Chair Assemblies It might have felt as if Spring Break had not ended for some of the boys when Carnival Trio brought their music of the Caribbean - from steel drums to limbo dances - carnival fun was had by all! In May, Quentin Quark visited the Lower School and delighted the boys with his Slapstick Science show ‘Much Work With Little Effort.’ We wish to give a very big THANK YOU to Shane Kirsch and Alexander Constantine for bringing their talents to our Music in the Atrium series - a huge hit as always! We hope your boys have had fun while experiencing something new from the variety of assemblies that were presented this year. ~ Nancy Breckenridge and Katie Neviera, Assemblies Co-Chairs Pre School Division Representative I would like to thank our Class Parents who did an incredible job organizing all the events and activities throughout the year. And to Gina Hurd, Martha Campel and the Pre School faculty, thank you for all of your guidance and support. It's been a pleasure working with all of you. ~ Afton Fraser, Pre School Division Representative Lower School Representative A huge thank you goes out to all of our Class Parents who did such an amazing job organizing all the activities throughout the year. Additionally, I would also like to thank Katie Signer and Nancy Freyre for their guidance and support. It has been a pleasure to work with all of you. Thank you! ~ Meg Russell, Lower School Division Representative
BRUNSWICK PARENTS ASSOCIATION NEWS
MAY / JUNE 2012
Middle School Representative Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the Class Parents this year! You have been terrific! Thank you, Sarah and Ellen, for your support throughout the year. ~ Beba Errichetti, Middle School Division Representative Upper School Representative A big thank you to all of our wonderful Class Parents for a terrific year! Brunswick is fortunate to have such capable and willing volunteers. It has been a pleasure working with all of you. I would also like to thank Tom Philip, Susan Amill and Connie DeVico for all of their guidance and support throughout the year. ~ Kimberlie Fett, Upper School Division Representative Upper School Arts The Spring Play, directed by Stephen Duennebier, is entitled Leaving Iowa. This critically acclaimed work is about a man who embarks on a road trip to Iowa to return his father's ashes to their rightful resting place – his father’s boyhood home. This sentimental comedy is a celebration of Americana. We hope you will attend! Performances will be in Baker Theater at 7pm on Friday May 4th and Saturday May 5th. Tickets are $5.00 and will be available at the door. Middle School Arts Brunswick is fortunate to have parents who generously volunteer their time and energy. I appreciate having the opportunity to work with all of you this past year. It has been a real pleasure! ~ Elizabeth Darling, Middle School Arts Division Representative Teacher Appreciation Thank you to all of our wonderful parents who helped out with the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon in April. The faculty and staff enjoyed being treated to a special lunch by our parents and especially enjoyed all of the delicious home baked goodies. And thank you to all of the generous parents who donated gift cards, tickets and vacation homes for our faculty raffles this year. We are so fortunate to have such amazing faculty at Brunswick. It is important to let them know how much we appreciate all they do for our boys! ~ Rene Chronert and Robin Sherwood, Teacher Appreciation Co-Chairs Upper School Athletics Many thanks to the team parents who helped out this year for all of the sports teams. Your time and commitment helped the teams with timely communication and access to needed refreshments! Go ‘WICK! ~ Patty Dudzik, Upper School Athletic Chair Middle School Athletics It has been another great year for Middle School sports. Many thanks to our wonderful spring team parents for all their efforts to support the boys: Alex Bergstein, Loretta Dym, Ashley Hanrahan, Ali Hazlett, Lisa Hennessy, Alice Meng, Vidya Rajappa, Debbie Robbins and Jerry Walsh. Go ‘WICK! ~ Maureen Forester, Middle School Athletic Chair Brunswick Summer Session 2012 Summer is on its way and there is no better time to get ahead than during Brunswick’s Summer Session. The classes are small, the atmosphere’s great and the results are amazing! In just 16 class days, students can get prepared for an entire semester of math, science, language, writing and more. This year’s Session runs from June 11th to July 3rd and classes don’t begin until 9am. Check out our website and see what we’re offering: http://www.brunswickschool.org/summersession
ARE YOU READY TO ROCK? We look forward to seeing you at the Brunswick Benefit on May 12th at 7pm in the Burke Field House. If you are unable to attend the Benefit, you can still bid on the amazing auction items. You can view the items and complete the absentee bid sheet using our website, brunswickschool.org/benefit/auction. You will need to place your minimum and maximum bids for your desired items on the form and we will let you know if you win any of your chosen items after the Benefit. Thank you!!