More Notes A walk on the
Wild Side
April 22, 2010 Issue No. 12
Questions and Answers: Keith Badger Capotes. Possibles Bags. Earth Lodges. It is as if Keith speaks a foreign language sometimes. In fact, these items are part of what he would call the language of nature. More Notes was curious to learn how this language is taught through the Naturalist Program and how it helps our students find their place in the world.
Q: Your name is synonymous with the Naturalist Program at High Mowing. How long have you been involved with it?
A: I’ve been running the Naturalist Program for more than fifteen years. When I
Keith Badger Teacher and Athletics Director High Mowing School
first began teaching at High Mowing, the curriculum involved the more traditional life science offerings. After a few years, I began to notice that our students knew a lot of theory but understood very little about what went on in their own backyards! Their practical knowledge regarding nature was literally nonexistent. Over time, the idea of a Naturalist Program was born. Much of the inspiration governing my approach came from the naturalist tradition of Henry David Thoreau. I hoped to rekindle a desire to live and learn as Thoreau did. Furthermore, as we grow more aware of the inherent wisdom of indigenous cultures—in terms of environmental stewardship and sustainability—teaching primitive skills shines as a method of learning about nature and a way to enrich our experience of it.
Keith has been teaching at the secondary level for twenty five years, with nineteen of those at High Mowing. Since coming to High Mowing he has originated and developed the Naturalist Program, which is an interdisciplinary offering of Natural History, Primitive Skills and Rite-of-Passage experiences. He strives to reconnect youth to the natural world, forging a relationship that will serve them throughout their lives.
More Notes Keith Badger continued
Q: Why is the program so important to you? A: The Naturalist Program is important to me because the human disconnect from
nature has never been so great. This has repercussions on many levels of our society. As educators, we observe how the plight of today’s youth is bound to the increasing artificiality of our culture. It is as if we have lost our roots and so we have lost our way. I believe that our physical and moral health mirror our relationship to the natural world, and that the journey of discovery we undertake while exploring nature’s wealth is a direct path to the opening of the human heart.
Skills which are introduced in the first year of the Naturalist Program are developed in a deeper way over subsequent years. Students learn to track animals, orient themselves with map and compass, and make life-sustaining shelters and fires out of what is available in the woods. Shown to the right are: Will Talbot ‘10, Dillon Badger ‘10, Keith Badger, Shea Vaccaro ‘10, Matt McLean ‘10, Martin Schuster ‘10, and Aidan Blansfield ‘10.
Q: What else to you teach at our school? A: I am responsible for High Mowing’s Athletics Program, which also has a direct connection to our students’ health and the overcoming of inertia. On top of that, we have a lot of fun playing sports.
Q: What are you looking forward to in the next school year? A: Well, for starters, I’m pretty excited about offering a Naturalist Trimester next fall. This is a direct result of our Academy work, where we’ve taken up the idea of creating immersion experiences for our students. More Notes from High Mowing School
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More Notes Keith Badger continued
I have taken Thoreau’s statement of “In Wildness is the preservation of the World” to heart and fully believe in the power of Rite-of-Passage experiences for adolescents. I look forward to exploring and fully developing these opportunities here at High Mowing. This could include more collaboration with my colleagues to develop additional learning adventures—particularly those beyond the conventional classroom.
I hope to branch out in this way, so my name is not just synonymous with the Naturalist Program, but intertwined with the true naturalist tradition that gave birth to some of the world’s
greatest scientists.
Built by Advanced Naturalist students in 2004, the Earth Lodge was taken down this year to make room for students to build their own newer creations. To the right are photos of other Naturalist Program projects.
Finally, I’d love to convert our New York students to Red Sox Nation fans!
More Notes from High Mowing School
—Keith Badger
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More Notes from the Executive Director
A Chance to Stretch Each spring, High Mowing students and faculty spend two weeks out of the classroom. They undertake a wide range of activities that are designed to lead them beyond their normal realm of experience. Simply put, students have the opportunity to stretch themselves. Many alumni/ae attest to the importance of Projects Block and remember its significance years later, recalling their experiences as transformational moments. Projects are fun, growth-enhancing and deepen relationships within the school community. A summary of this year’s projects— which begin right after May Day—follow on the next page. Below is a brief synopsis and some useful information for parents.
We wish each of our students an enriching and rewarding experience. Doug Powers
Executive Director, High Mowing School
PROJECTS BLOCK: May 2 – 14 Projects Block at High Mowing will take place during the first two weeks of May. Students and faculty will be involved in activities on campus, as well as traveling in the U.S. and abroad. On campus projects this year are: jewelry fabrication and design, filmmaking and modern art. The off campus projects will see our students traveling to the Dominican Republic for service work in an orphanage, rock climbing in West Virginia, trekking though Ireland and following the steps of Thomas Hardy in England. In addition, independent projects this year include local community service with disabled children, an in-depth study of art history, student performances at area Waldorf schools, and community service work on an organic farm. Schedules for each group may vary. Group leaders for on campus projects will provide participants with itineraries that include information about daily schedules, field trips and other project needs. Departure and arrival times for groups traveling off campus have already been provided by group leaders. The kitchen is closed during projects block. The dorms will be open and food preparation for boarders will be handled by dorm counselors. Food charges for boarding students will be $10.00 per day and charged to student accounts. Day students should bring lunches each day. Contact group leaders if you have questions about a specific project. All payments for Projects Block should be made to the Business Office, if you have not already done so. —The Academic Committee
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More Notes Classroom Updates
2010 Project Block Offerings Serving and Learning in Santo Domingo: the Dominican Republic led by Marguy Nelson & Bev Boyer. The group will stay and work in an orphanage, teaching students of all of ages. High Mowing students will spend their days and evenings engaged with the children: the younger ones during the morning and the older students later in the day and evening. British Isles Longwalking Adventure led by Keith & Andrea Badger. Longwalking is a rite-of-passage adventure to test oneself in unanticipated ways. It is the best way to get to know the land and its people. This trip will immerse students into some of the most spectacular back country in the British Isles.
PROJECTS VARY FROM ART TO ADVENTURE
WITH ROCKCLIMBING AND LONGWALKING
Filmmaking led by Cedar Oliver. The students work together as a production team to learn the organizational, creative and practical skills needed to follow a major project from writing to final editing. Each student will have a specific job or acting role. In the Steps of Thomas Hardy led by Robert Sim. A walk in Thomas Hardy’s Wessex, discovering the villages, towns, byways and landscapes that he describes in his novels. The goals are: to deepen our understanding of Hardy the novelist and poet, to become acquainted with the countryside in Dorset, to look at the effect people have had on the environment since 1880, to understand an agricultural culture of the late 19th century and investigate what has been lost or gained since that time. Jewelry Fabrication & Design led by Michael Noer. Students will explore a variety of jewelry making techniques. They will learn to work in copper and sterling silver, using basic cutting, bending, hammering and soldering techniques. Students will develop a small portfolio of their work—drawings through finished pieces—which will be displayed for the school in a formal exhibition. Art in the Modern World: Superman’s Workshop led by Mark Salwasser. The goal of this block is to introduce a new language of art making. This project will be an immersion into the world of modern art. The students will make art as contemporary artists. The focus will be primarily on three dimensional works but all media will be considered. Rock Climbing/Community Service led by Mike Wisniewski. This year’s trip will be in West Virginia, where the students will camp and climb in the New River Gorge. Community service with the national park service is an important component of the expedition.
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More Notes Classroom Updates continued
Jaimen Perez ’11, an officer of the New Hampshire Youth Network, shares his thoughts about electronic cigarettes and his experience at the New Hampshire State House. Jaimen Shares His Thoughts.mp4
High Mowing Students Enter the Debate on E-Cigarettes On Thursday, April 15, Georgia Doing ’12 and Jaimen Perez ’11 testified in front of the New Hampshire Senate Commerce Committee on House Bill 1541. This bill would prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes to minors under the age of 18. Georgia and Jaimen testified as representatives of the New Hampshire Youth Network—part of Breathe NH, which promotes lung health. E-cigarettes are electronic devices that are plugged into the wall to recharge, much like a cell phone. They originated in Asia as smoking cessation aids. Now in the western world, they have become the newest nicotine delivery product. Small nicotine cartridges are inserted into the e-cigarette. Here, they are mixed with water in a heating chamber, creating a liquid. This mixture becomes a vapor when the device is used. It is actually called “vaping” not “smoking.” The main issue with e-cigarettes involves a lack of restrictions and regulations on the product. A ten-year-old could actually buy one, if interested. Interestingly, evidence suggests that e-cigarettes are being advertised, promoted and targeted at young people. The nicotine cartridges come in youth-oriented flavors like chocolate, strawberry, bubble gum, butterscotch, marshmallow and others. They are sold at malls in New Hampshire, often outside stores popular with teens. Ads have also been seen on Facebook. Bill 1541 was voted on this past week. The bill would make e-cigarettes the same as regular cigarettes in terms of the law. At the hearing, Georgia and Jaimen displayed and explained the operation and function of an e-cigarette. Several other students from various schools also testified, building quite a case. The hearing went well, and the bill is expected to pass. —Jaimen Perez, Class of 2011
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. Contact Charles Hawthorne, High Mowing School Business Office, if you have any questions: 603 654-9408 ext. 137.
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More Notes
PARENT AND STUDENT PORTALS We are ready to introduce exciting new functions on the High Mowing website — customized Parent and Student Portals! Password-protected, customized portals will provide your own unique page where you can find, store and view information that you are particularly interested in. This will also be where High Mowing faculty and administration can put information you need to know. These personal pages will be evolving over the next few months, and you are encouraged to contact Suzan Moffett with any ideas you have or information you’d like to find there.
from the Communications Office
1. 2. 3.
Once you have logged in to your portal page take a few moments to look around and explore the options and links. Check out the Resources, Quick Links and menu items on the right hand side of the page. You will also find that you can add elements to your page that will: 1. check your GMail account 2. check on the weather 3. get an RSS feed and 4. allow you to create your own personal content window. More detailed information about those options will follow later, but feel free to experiment now if you would like! Instructions for logging in are below. Take a moment to change your password at your first login. We welcome feedback and conversation about the use of this exciting portion of the website. Call Suzan Moffett at 603-654-9408 ext. 111 or email smoffett@highmowing.org
PORTAL PAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Go to the LOGIN button at the top of www.highmowing.org, or any page on the highmowing website. Enter your user name and password. (User name and password will be sent to each parent and student in an email.) Change your password via the “My Account” box — look for the “update your password” link.
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More Notes from the Guidance Office
More College Acceptances:
PJ Friel Ariana Taylor Haley Clougherty Matthais Fuell
Congratulations!
University of New Hampshire Savannah College of Art and Design (GA) Hampshire College (MA) Cornell College (IA)
ACCEPTANCE AND FINANCIAL AID
May 1
Seniors must inform all colleges of their decisions prior to the 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 first-choice college, contact their financial aid office. Occasionally, there may be more aid available to a student who simply requests it.
SAT
REGISTRATION FOR JUNIORS
JUNE 5TH SAT EXAMS A reminder to all juniors planning to take the SATs on June 5: the regular deadline to register is April 29 (late registration with additional fees is May 19). Exams are offered at many high schools in surrounding towns: Amherst, Nashua, Bedford, Manchester and more. However, due to the popularity of this exam date for juniors, sites tend to fill up before the deadline date, so register early. This is the last date to take the SATs during the 2009-10 academic year. Students can register by going to www.collegeboard.com
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More Notes Naturalist News
from the Athletic Director
Keeping the Flame Alive On a rather rainy day in spring Advanced Naturalist Students Fana Takahashi ’10 and Taggart Wass ’10 decide to “ignite” fire with bow drill sets — Keith Badger
Games
Schedule of Remaining BOYS BASEBALL
GAME LENGTH IS APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS
DATE
TEAMS
BUS DEPARTS
APRIL 24
Sat MAY 1 Sat MAY 3-14 MAY 19 Wed
Cardigan Mtn. @ CM 2p.m. May Day Projects Block Proctor @ HMS 2:30p.m.
11:30a.m.
GIRLS LACROSSE
GAME LENGTH IS APPROXIMATELY 1.5 HOURS
DATE
TEAMS
BUS DEPARTS
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. 2:00p.m.
DAY
DAY
Fri APRIL 30 Fri MAY 1 Sat MAY 3-14 MAY 15 Sat MAY 17 Mon MAY 19 Wed APRIL 23
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More Notes from the Development Office
Your Class Reps are on the Phones! Don’t be surprised if you get a phone call from your class representative, inviting you to join them in giving to the High Mowing Annual Campaign.
and they would sure love to hear “Yes!” from other parents. It’s hard work asking for money,
If you haven’t already, this is a perfect opportunity to contribute. Annual Campaign contributions make up 10% of our annual budget, directly supporting the day-to-day educational experience of every student. Parents, alumni/ae, and friends show their support of High Mowing education by helping us meet our bottom line. Our goal this year is $260,000 and we have raised $252,000 to date. Parents have given a total of $58,606 and 51% of all parents have given. If you are grateful that High Mowing is here for young people, put your values into action—make a gift to the Annual Campaign! Contact Heather Cochrane or phone 603 654-2391 ext. 105. PARTICIPATION BY CLASS Seniors: 50% Juniors: 41% Sophomores: 47% Freshman: 44%
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More Notes Student News High Mowing students involved in the Flying Gravity performance included Ellie Davis ’12, Dan McGuire ’10, Georgia Doing ’10, Erica Oliver ’11, and Zachary Adinolfi ’13.
Flying Gravity Circus The Flying Gravity Circus is a self-directed youth circus made up of 7-12th grade students, many from Pine Hill and High Mowing. We’ve been meeting on Fridays throughout the year, putting together shows to take to venues like the Milford Pumpkin Festival and Nashua Community College. But the school year is coming to an end, and our biggest, best, and well . . . last show was performed at the Pine Hill Waldorf School on April 17, with proceeds benefitting Pine Hill. The performance involved feats of fearlessness, the scintillating skills of diabolo, tightwire, acrobatics, clowning and more! —Ellie Davis, Class of 2012
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More Notes Upcoming Events Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
May
April
Sunday
Event Details for more calendar items:
www.
highmowing.org
May Day Celebration: 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 cafÊ 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 Under the watchful eye —and ear!— of Dale Coye, Brian Schmidt ’10, Ellie Davis ’12 and Shea Vaccaro ’10 practice their roles as Pirate King, Ruth and Frederick.
Pºƒírates Penzance The
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
PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE BEULAH EMMET SCHOLARSHIP FUND
AND DON’T FORGET THE
Captain's Choice THEATRE EXPERIENCE
April 29, 30 and May 1 at 7:30p.m.
ONLY AT THE FRIDAY, APRIL 30 PERFORMANCE: • VALET PARKING • PREMIUM SEATING • INTERMISSION CAFÉ
TICKETS: $35
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More Notes
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
Order a DVD! ThePírates ºƒ
Penzance
REVISIT THE FUN OF WATCHING HIGH MOWING STUDENTS PERFORM WITH A DVD OF THIS SPIRITED SPRING PLAY!
Submission deadlines: May 24 June 7
High Mowing School 222 Isaac Frye Highway Wilton, NH 03086 603 654-2391
www.highmowing.org
Editor and Designer: Nancy Tichanuk Development Director: Heather Cochrane Executive Director: Doug Powers
Place your order by Friday,
May 7. Send this form and payment to:
PIRATES OF PENZANCE ATTENTION: LORI WAY HIGH MOWING SCHOOL 222 ISAAC FRYE HWY. WILTON, NH 03086
Name: ______________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________ City: _____________________________ State: _____ Zip: __________ Telephone: ______________________________
Iwould like to order
_____COPIES OF THE PIRATES DVD
@ $20 PER COPY FOR A TOTAL OF $_________
MY CHECK IS ENCLOSED PLEASE CHARGE MY ORDER
VISA MASTER CARD DISCOVER AMERICAN EXPRESS
ACCOUNT NUMBER:__________________________
EXPIRATION DATE:_____
The DVDs will be professionally edited and available on or before June 12. They will be sent by mail to the address indicated above.
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May
Day A Celebration ofS
pring
HIGH MOWING SCHOOL AT THE TOP OF ABBOT HILL ROAD, OFF ROUTE 101 IN WILTON, NH WWW.HIGHMOWING.ORG
Saturday
May 1st
12:00—4:00P.M. FREE ADMISSION! CHILDREN'S GAMES FAMILY ACTIVITIES ARTS AND CRAFTS LIVE MUSIC BOOK SALE REFRESHMENTS/FOOD MAYPOLE AND MORRIS DANCING AT 12:00P.M.
POSTER ILLUSTRATION BY CLAIRE CONLEY '12
HIGH MOWING SCHOOL ALSO PRESENTS
Pºƒírates Penzance The
OR, THE SLAVE OF DUTY
PLUS THE ANNUAL HIGH MOWING POTTERY SALE!
April 29, 30 and May 1 at 7:30p.m. TICKETS: $12 ADULTS AND $8 SENIORS/STUDENTS WITH I.D. AVAILABLE AT TOADSTOOL BOOKSHOPS IN MILFORD AND PETERBOROUGH AND AT HIGH MOWING SCHOOL
603 654-2391
AT THE PINE HILL WALDORF SCHOOL AUDITORIUM, 77 PINE HILL DRIVE, OFF ABBOT HILL ROAD IN WILTON, NH