More Notes Ties that
Matter
April 8, 2010 Issue No. 11
Questions and Answers: Cary Hughes History comes alive in Cary’s classroom. Whether its modern or ancient, American or worldwide, his lifelong passion for the topic shines through in class lectures and hands-on field trips to local government and courtroom settings. More Notes wondered how this all fit in with his role as Dean of Students.
Q: What is the role of Dean of Students at High Mowing? A: The position of the Dean of Students focuses on the overall student life of the
Cary Hughes Dean of Students and Teacher High Mowing School
school — in particular with social issues that may require more than routine attention. The Dean of Students helps faculty members, students and parents communicate when additional support is needed for advisors, dorm counselors or other faculty members. This may take the form of counseling students or participating in mini-interventions. I also try to keep the faculty informed on student issues and all other relevant matters pertaining to school life.
Q: What other hats do you wear at our school? A: Well, I teach six of the block classes as well as U.S.
History, Government and Economics and World History. I serve on the Standards Committee, the Leadership Team and as a co-mentor of the Peer Resource Group. I mentor the Model
More Notes Cary Hughes continued
United Nations students and host an annual Model UN conference at High Mowing. Oh yes, I almost forgot— I also serve as a member of our Board of Trustees!
Q: What keeps you going?
That’s easy; I love what I do. I have a job that I look forward to every day. For me, the most satisfying and inspiring experience is to watch a student grow. Here at High Mowing, students have the opportunity to realize their potential as human beings and to recognize their own self-worth.
A love of history combined
with a deep interest in Waldorf education inspired
Cary Hughes to become a history teacher at
High Mowing.
Cary has served in numer-
— CARY HUGHES
ous roles—in addition to his classroom teaching duties—and currently serves as Dean of Students
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
and faculty co-mentor to the freshman class. More Notes from High Mowing School
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More Notes Cary Hughes continued
Q: What hopes and dreams do you hold for your students? A: I wish for each of them to go out into the world, knowing how to effectively con-
tribute to their communities. I hope each will be ready to go the extra distance required to make a positive difference for others. I want them to be life-long students so that they can accomplish these goals by never being afraid to tackle new situations or learn new things. And, I want them to learn from our collective past.
In addition to teaching block classes on
Modern History and Ancient History, Cary enjoys bringing American History to juniors and introducing seniors to Government and
Economics—in the class room and through participation in courtrooms as mock-trial juries for Harvard Law School. Cary introduced a Model United Nations program to High Mowing which—with help from professors at Bentley University—has grown to include a Model UN conference on-campus as an annual event. He is shown here with Jazmin Ment ‘10.
UPCOMING DEADLINE Parents are reminded that all tuition account balances are due and payable before the end of the school year. Enrollment of students for next year is not guaranteed if accounts remain open from the previous year.
Please remember that enrollment agreements and registration fees for all new and returning students are due to the office of Doug Powers, Executive Director, by Monday, April 12, 2010. Note that your registration must be complete in order for the Registrar to enroll your child for classes. Your registration is complete when your signed enrollment agreement and registration fees have been received by the school. Contact Pat Meissner, Director of Admissions, if you have any questions: 603 654-2391 ext. 109 or admissions@highmowing.org.
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More Notes from the Executive Director
Science at High Mowing For this issue, I’ll emphasize my role as a biology teacher rather than that of Executive Director, in order to talk a bit about science at High Mowing. I just finished an Embryology Block with the sophomores and it has re-affirmed my respect for our students. They have well developed strengths in one of the most important areas for a scientist—the ability to observe. All of us, whether we are scientists or not, rely on the clarity of our observations. And, of course, all scientific work starts with clear observation and description of phenomena. Our curriculum aims to develop this strength in our students. Our science classes combine elements of observation with reasoning so that students learn how to do science rather than learn about science. We provide laboratory and field experiences that put students in direct contact with the phenomena they are trying to understand. I’m happy to report that many of our students are enthusiastically engaged in science. On the next page, you’ll see that Kim McCormick and a group of students entered the New Hampshire Science Olympiad. Science Olympiad National Tournaments have been held since 1985 and more than 5,000 secondary schools participate each year. While we didn’t move on to the National Tournament, our students won prizes and have begun a tradition of participation in this important event. Bravo! Doug Powers
Executive Director, High Mowing School
SENIOR PARENTS
Your student will receive 12 graduation invitations. There is no charge for the first 12. If you would like to order additional invitations, please contact Heather Carver at hcarver@highmowing.org or phone her at 603 654-2391 ext. 135. Each additional packet of 12 is available for $12. Please place your order by Wednesday, April 14.
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More Notes Classroom Updates
High Mowing Enters State Science Competition On Saturday, March 27, a team of seven students travelled to St. Anselm College in Manchester to participate in the third annual New Hampshire Science Olympiad. The competition is part of a national program which strives to promote excellence and achievement in science. Teamwork and cooperative learning strategies among students are required to compete successfully. The winner of each state competition travels to the National Science Olympiad in May. Our students competed against 13 teams from nine high schools. We entered eight of the 18 events featured at this year’s competition, including Anatomy and Physiology, Cell Biology, Chemistry Lab, Disease Detective and Elevated Bridge. High Mowing received awards in two events that involved working in teams to communicate technical or scientific concepts. Congratulations to seniors Georgia Doing, PJ Friel and Zoë Falk for placing third in Picture This, and to Georgia Doing and Robbie von Kampen ‘11, for placing sixth in Write It, Do It. The other team members who represented High Mowing commendably were Amber Johnston ’11, Christian Hoschek ’12 and Luke Sanchez-Shaw ’13. The team was coached by Kim McCormick and Paola Santillan. SEE PHOTO BELOW Students interested in joining the 2011 High Mowing Science Olympiad team should see Kim McCormick. An organizational meeting will be held in the fall. You can also get more information about the program at www.soinc.org.
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More Notes Classroom Updates continued
Senior Research Papers The seniors have been working since the beginning of the year on their research papers. On April 2, they assembled in the Big Room for an expo to showcase all their hard work. Each student had his or her paper available for inspection, as well as a visual presentation of the work done for their project. Parents and other community members were invited to attend the evening. —Wendy Bruneau SAMPLE SENIOR PROJECTS:
Fana Takahashi researched the theory and practice of early childhood education in Waldorf schools. Her paper was accompanied by examples of projects created in the classroom, a display board of terms and a mobile of photos.
Dillon Badger researched “Rites of Passage” through wilderness experiences, tackling the broader question of what it means to become a man—morally, emotionally and spiritually— in today’s culture.
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More Notes Classroom Updates continued
April Fool’s Day Students marked the day with a variety of pranks: housing chickens in the Big Room (in cages, thankfully), decorating the dining room to resemble Hogwarts, filling the front office with balloons, re-hanging artwork upside-down on the walls and creating a “new” parking area for faculty and staff. It was all in good fun and enjoyed by the faculty as well as the students.
“Poisson d’Avril” takes place in France on April 1. Traditionally, children make paper fish and pin as many as possible to the backs of unsuspecting adults. They then run away and saying “Poisson d’Avril!,” which is a little like saying “April Fools.” Judy Wachler’s French class performed a variation on this theme by trying to hit the 5-minute mark for their pinned poissons.
Students turned things upsidedown—at least in terms of artwork— for April Fools Day.
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More Notes from the Guidance Office
To allCongratulations! seniors, More College Acceptances:
Haley Clougherty University of New Hampshire (NH) Georgia Doing Bard College (NY) Wellesley College (MA)
ACCEPTANCE AND FINANCIAL AID Seniors must inform all colleges of their decisions prior to the May 1 Candidates Decision Day. Many families are still reviewing financial aid award letters. Families with changes to their financial situations should notify the colleges; a financial aid counselor can change a student’s financial aid award based on unusual circumstances. Professional judgment policies may differ from school to school, however. So, if your financial situation has changed dramatically since filing the FAFSA, contact the appropriate financial aid office. Sudden unemployment of a parent, unusual medical expenses, etc., can lead to increased aid. Keep in mind that adjustments to aid awards are not usually based on negotiations, but on actual financial changes. Yet, even without a significant change, if the initial aid offered prohibits a student from attending a firstchoice college, contact their financial aid office. Occasionally, there may be more aid available to a student who simply requests it.
Gus Meissner Clark University (MA) Amanda Mullen Sarah Lawrence College (NY) Nicole Perez Bard College (NY) Oberlin College (OH) University if New Mexico (NM) Fana Takahashi University of Washington (WA) Will Talbot Pacific Northwest College of Art (OR) Brian Schmidt Bard College (NY) Piper Tasoulas New England College (NH)
HIGH MOWING SCHOOL
Pºƒírates Penzance PRESENTS
The
INDULGE IN THE
Captain's Choice
THEATRE EXPERIENCE ONLY AT THE APRIL 30 PERFORMANCE:
• VALET PARKING • PREMIUM SEATING • INTERMISSION CAFÉ
TICKETS: $35
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More Notes Naturalist News
from the Athletic Director
Health, Wellness and the Rite of Passage I assigned the task of writing about their experiences to several advanced naturalist students. I felt this would deepen their understanding of what they had learned . . . and learned to see. In an effort to promote their ideas to a wider audience, the piece was submitted to Wilderness Ways magazine. I am proud to announce the publication of their article in a recent issue —volume 15, issue 4. Congratulations to Dillon Badger ’10, Aidan Blansfield ’10, Matthias Fuell ’10, Matt McLean ’10, Brian Schmidt ’10, Martin Schuster ’10, Fana Takahashi ’10, Shea Vaccaro ’10 and former High Mowing student, Jacob Broadhurst. It is the ecological view to see things in connection to the rest of the world and I was happy to be able to offer our students this interdisciplinary learning opportunity. —Keith Badger
BOYS BASEBALL SCHEDULE
GAME LENGTH IS APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS
DATE
DAY
TEAMS
BUS DEPARTS
APRIL 7
Wed Tues Sat Sat Sat
Exeter @ Exeter 3:30p.m. Tilton @ Tilton 4:00p.m. Cardigan Mtn. @ HMS 3p.m. Cardigan Mtn. @ CM 2p.m. May Day Projects Block Proctor @ HMS 2:30p.m.
1:15p.m. 2:00p.m.
APRIL 13 APRIL 17 APRIL 24 MAY 1 MAY 3-14 MAY 19
Wed
GIRLS LACROSSE SCHEDULE
11:30a.m.
GAME LENGTH IS APPROXIMATELY 1.5 HOURS
DATE
DAY
TEAMS
BUS DEPARTS
APRIL 9
Fri Sat Tues Wed Sat Fri Fri Sat
Dublin @ HMS 4:00p.m. Brewster @ Brewster 2p.m. Tilton @ Tilton 4p.m. Applewild @ AW 3:45p.m. Putney @ Putney 3:30p.m. Dublin @ Dublin 4p.m. New Hampton @ NH 4p.m. May Day Projects Block Vermont Academy @ VA 3p.m. Putney @ HMS 3:30p.m. White Mtn. @ HMS 3:30p.m.
3:00p.m. 11:30a.m. 2:00p.m. 2:00p.m. 1:00p.m. 3:00p.m. 2:00p.m.
APRIL 10 APRIL 13 APRIL 14 APRIL 17 APRIL 23 APRIL 30 MAY 1 MAY 3-14 MAY 15 MAY 17 MAY 19
Sat Mon Wed
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More Notes Upcoming Events Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
April
Sunday
for more calendar items:
www.
highmowing.org
May Day Celebration
Event Details
More Notes from High Mowing School
We hope that you have High Mowing’s May Day on your calendar: Saturday, May 1. This celebration of spring will begin promptly at noon with Morris and maypole dancing and a ceremony to banish winter and bring in spring! In the afternoon, there will be games for children of all ages, a sale of handmade pottery from Mrs. Karl’s studio, a dessert café featuring High Mowing student musicians and other fun events. Proceeds from May Day go towards the Beulah Emmet Scholarship Fund. Please visit www.highmowing.org/ mayday for more information.
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More Notes Event Details continued
Pirates of Penzance at High Mowing Each spring, director Dale Coye produces a full-fledged musical involving more than half of the High Mowing students—many of whom are seasoned musicians and vocalists. Les Miserables and Bye Bye Birdie, High Mowing’s last two musicals, played to full houses and received rave reviews. This year the students take on Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular light opera, The Pirates of Penzance, a comic tale first performed in 1879. Frederic, the main character, is due to be released from his apprenticeship to pirates at age 21. To his dismay, it is discovered that he was born on February 29th; a leap year! The pirates claim he must remain with them for another 63 years to honorably complete his contract. This is further complicated by his love for the Major-General’s daughter, Mabel. The resolution of this conflict is played out in typical Gilbert and Sullivan style, with zany lyrics and memorable melodies. General admission tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and students. “Captain’s Choice” tickets of $35—for the April 30 performance only—include valet parking, premium seating and intermission café. The performance will take place at the Pine Hill Waldorf School Auditorium, 77 Pine Hill Drive, in Wilton. Call Heather Carver at 603 654-2391 ext. 135 for more information.
HIGH MOWING SCHOOL
Pºƒírates Penzance
PRESENTS
The
OR, THE SLAVE OF DUTY
April 29, 30 and May 1 at 7:30p.m. TICKET PRICE $12 ADULTS $8 SENIORS/STUDENTS WITH I.D.
AVAILABLE AT TOADSTOOL BOOKSHOPS IN MILFORD AND PETERBOROUGH
AND HIGH MOWING SCHOOL
603 654-2391
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MORE NOTES is published throughout the school year by High Mowing School. If you would like to have an item considered for publication, please submit it to: ntichanuk@highmowing.org
More Notes Community Bulletin Board High Mowing Student Summer Employment Every summer, High Mowing has a few opportunities for students to work on campus. Students are needed to help Mike Wisniewski with on-campus projects and summer conferences. Any student interested in applying for a summer position should visit Dianna Normanton in the Human Resources Office to complete an application. All applications are due by April 15 and will be reviewed by Dianna Normanton, Mike Wisniewski and Doug Powers. —Dianna Normanton
Pine Hill Waldorf School Visitors’ Day
Submission deadlines: April 19 May 24 June 7
High Mowing School 222 Isaac Frye Highway Wilton, NH 03086 603 654-2391
www.highmowing.org
Pine Hill Waldorf School in Wilton invites adult visitors to experience Waldorf education at a Visitors’ Day. Visitors’ Days are scheduled for April 14 and May 12 from 8:00 - 10:30a.m. Come re-visit elementary school from a Waldorf perspective as you observe a “Main Lesson” period in one grade or take a tour through several grades. At 10a.m., teachers will join visitors for refreshments and conversation. Call 603 654-6003 to RSVP.
ARTWORK BY FANA TAKAHASHI ‘10
Pine Hill Waldorf School Summer Camp Programs Pine Hill Waldorf School in Wilton, NH is pleased to offer summer camp programs for children ages 3½ to 12½, weekdays from 8:30 to 3:30p.m. June 21 - July 30.
Editor and Designer: Nancy Tichanuk Development Director: Heather Cochrane Executive Director: Doug Powers
Held at Pine Hill’s beautiful 50-acre campus and led by experienced Waldorf teachers, the camp programs are divided into two age groups with a variety of themes. Summer Garden will delight children ages 3½ to 6½, and Summer Adventure will thrill those ages 6½ to 12½. Whether they find themselves playing in the water and woods or making craft projects and planting flowers, our happy campers are immersed in all the joyful activities that summer offers. For more information, please contact our Summer Program Coordinator, Evie Johnston at (603) 654-6003 or evie@pinehill.org. Registrations forms and more details are available upon request and on the web at www.pinehill.org.
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The Board of Trustees of AWSNA was graciously hosted for its February meeting by Lynn Kern (secretary of the AWSNA Board of Trustees) in her Southern California home. As part of the meeting, she had the wonderful idea of inviting interested friends in her neighborhood to come, to introduce them to the ideals behind our work. It was a smashing success. Over forty people attended, all had a wonderful time, and learned about Waldorf Education. Lynn had displays of her children’s work on tables around her home for her neighbors to see how very different and beautiful are the results of Waldorf Education. The Lakota Waldorf School (LWS) project continues to move forward. The school was founded in 1993 by a group of Lakota/Native American parents, who were concerned about the educational future of their children on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, USA. It will complete its WECAN three year plan by end of March, and has made contact with the education department head at the Oglala Lakota College (OLC) to explore training possibilities. At least two Lakota people have stated that they would like a full training in Waldorf Education. There is strong potential in the idea. It would be a great boon to the Lakota people to be able to be trained, at least in part, on the reservation. The board of the LWS plans to visit the Denver Waldorf School in April to visit classes and to meet with that school’s board. There are also plans underway to plant a biodynamic garden at the school this spring and High Mowing Seeds of Vermont has contributed the seeds. The Annual Appeal brochure was so well received by the Leadership Council Representatives that requests were made to ship enough to distribute at regional meetings. Please admire the photographs of the many Waldorf school doors – and send us a photograph of your school’s front door if you haven’t already done so. The gifts we receive in response to AWSNA’s annual appeal enhances our ability to provide services for Waldorf schools, instruct the media on the value of Waldorf Education, do further research in child development and the results of Waldorf Education, and much more. We also urge you to respond to your individual school’s annual appeal: during these challenging economic times, especially, every single gift makes a difference. Preparations are moving forward for AWSNA’S annual golf benefit, Winning With Waldorf V. Scheduled for June 7, 2010, and hosted by the Emerson Waldorf School in Chapel Hill, N.C., the tournament features PGA Touring Golf Professional Duffy Waldorf. For more information contact Sarah Dinan at sdinan@awsna.org. Have you seen the award winning book, “Dragon Boy” from AWSNA Publications and available on the revitalized Books&More website? Future plans include a new release of science kits directed towards the upper grades. Watch for the “Children’s Book of the Month” – a specially chosen inspirational book we think will be loved by grownups and children alike. Check out the Books&More section of the www.WhyWaldorfWorks.org website and come back often. Sign up for the AWSNA eupdate online, too!