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June 10, 2010 Issue No. 14
Seniors: What’s Next?
Questions and Answers: Shea Vaccaro, Gus Meissner, Matthias Füll and Georgia Doing Graduation is a few short days away for the Class of 2010. It’s a bittersweet time, as good-byes are said at the same time that dreams for the future are launched. More Notes asked four seniors about their plans for the months and years ahead.
Q: How long have you been at High Mowing? Shea: I’ve been here for the past four years. Before that, I attended
Pine Hill Waldorf School for eight years. I’m a true Waldorf child! And I owe a lot to that; I’ve definitely benefitted as a person. Looking back, I can almost see a straight line from Jackie Davis’ circus program at Pine Hill, to my two summers performing with Circus Smirkus, right through to this year— my last at High Mowing. It all led me towards performance as a career choice.
Shea Vaccaro ’10 as Frederick in
The Pirates of Penzance
Q: What will you do after Graduation? A: College . . . I’ll be attending College. Specifically the
Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. Even though I knew I’d be a performer, I wasn’t sure if I’d go to college first. I thought I might be ready to go out into the world right from high school to perform. But, during my college search, I found the program offered in Scotland and it changed my thinking completely. The program is called Contemporary Performance Practices. It pushes students to develop new work and new ways of performing. It will allow me to combine my three passions: circus, acting and music. And, Glasgow seems like a great place to live.
Q: Did High Mowing prepare you for this course of study?
A: Without a doubt, High Mowing had a
hand in my development! In my four years
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here, I’ve grown comfortable on stage. And, it all began with my first performance at Coffee House. That was the first place I really sang on my own. Interestingly enough, it was with Jonah and Seamus, the two people I now perform with in our trio, Uncle Fran’s Breakfast. I’ve grown up at High Mowing, both socially and artistically. This has to be the best environment anywhere for a teenager. It’s a small school with a beautiful campus. Everyone here wants to be here. And, everyone listens. That’s really important.
Q: What is your best High Mowing memory? A: Well, three in particular stand out. The first would be when I became
an Emcee at High Mowing’s Coffee House. The significance of that was huge for me, and I really enjoyed it. Coffee House has to be the most supportive environment for young performers. The second would be High Mowing’s annual spring play — all of them! They were extremely helpful to me and I’d love to see High Mowing develop an even more extensive drama program.
My last memory is more personal and has to do with my own journey at High Mowing. Junior year was tough for me; I felt unfocused. That year at graduation, Xavier Brown ’09 spoke to the attendees. His speech really moved me. He talked about the need to give in order to get. He said it was the only way to make anything worthwhile ... by making it your own. That’s the best way to live as a human being. And, that’s the real lesson of High Mowing.
—Shea Vaccaro ̓10
Above, Shea Vaccaro ‘10 plans to merge circus, acting and music in his studies at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow.
Q: How long have you been at High Mowing?
Gus: I have been at High
Mowing all four years.
Q: What will you do after Graduation?
A: I plan to attend Clark
Gus Meissner ‘10, to the right, has his sights set on clean energy technology and will pursue a BA at Clark University in Massachusetts.
University and get my BA —and possibly my MA— in the field of business. After that I hope to build a socially responsible business that is in
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More Notes some way related to clean energy. I have always had a love for trains and may be interested in pursing a career that involves high-speed rail, as well.
What’s Next? continued
Q: Did High Mowing prepare you for this course of study?
A: High Mowing inspired my ap-
preciation for clean energy technology through the venue of my senior paper. I studied the viability of installing a wind turbine at High Mowing. The paper was a success and I have actually raised $4,250 to fund a wind assessment study at the school. This assessment will tell us what type of turbine would be appropriate and how much money we might save on electricity by having one.
Q: What is your best High Mowing memory? A: This is not an easy question to answer! However, I would say the
Gus Meissner ‘10, and young friend, in the Dominican Republic during High Mowing’s recent Projects Block.
highlights of my time here have included: class orientation trips, plays and projects blocks. This year I had the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic during projects block. It was amazing, fun, hard work — and altered my perception of the world forever.
—Gus Meissner ̓10
Q: How long have you been at High Mowing? Matthias: I have been at High Mowing for four years, with a one-
year break. That is, I went to High Mowing my freshmen and sophomore years, then transferred to a tenth-grade class back home in Germany to take a required exam. This meant I repeated one year of high school when I returned. I remember feeling broken-hearted when I left High Mowing to do what my family thought was best for me. I knew that if I received good grades and didn’t fail the test, I would be able to come back. So, I spent a year at The Odenwald Schule and was eventually ranked as one of the top students in my class, receiving compliments from my teachers.
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Q: What will you do after Graduation? A: After high school I will continue on to college. I plan to attend Eckerd College in
St. Petersburg, Florida. I want to major in Biology and minor in Global Affairs. I hope to continue on to graduate school after that.
Q: Did High Mowing prepare you for this course of study? A: High Mowing helped me to find answers for the questions that I did not
have answers to. This helped me move on with my thoughts and grow as a student. For me, learning often happened outside of class. When I had a question about the debt crisis in Greece, I went to my history teacher and he explained everything I needed to know. Now I can follow developments in the news. The High Mowing teachers really prepared and shaped me as a global citizen — well-educated to succeed in life.
Q: What is your best High Mowing memory? A: I don’t have just one amazing memory; I have at least several thousand!
Friends are very important to me, so when I think about High Mowing they always come to mind. Above, Matthias Füll ’10 plans to attend Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL. He has a keen interest in global affairs and a great love of soccer.
I also have good memories about my classes —like Model UN and the Naturalist Program. I really enjoyed Model UN because of our discussions about the different countries of the world. And, during our Naturalist studies, I enjoyed being in the woods, learning about myself and really growing through the discovery of some very important skills — not only those applied in the woods, but also in other parts of life. But, my very best memories involve soccer. Fighting for glory and honor on the field, and winning against schools with five times as many students as High Mowing! I loved playing my heart out and having passion for my favorite sport. When I walk across the soccer field at High Mowing, I remember our team, pushing ourselves to victory.
—Matthias Füll ̓10
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Q: How long have you been at High Mowing? Georgia: I have been at High Mowing for 2 ½ years. I transferred here in January
of my sophomore year.
Q: What will you do after Graduation? A: I am going to Wellesley College in the fall. I do not yet know what I will major
in, but I plan to fulfill the pre-med requirements and continue on to medical school. Of course, medicine is a huge field, and I have very little experience from which to draw conclusions about what type of doctor I want to be. However, I have an interest in surgery as well as holistic healing. I plan to go to a liberal arts college because I believe being well-rounded and wellversed is the most important aspect of being a doctor. With that in mind, I won’t set any limits on my desire to travel and experience the world and other cultures.
Q: Did High Mowing prepare you for this course of study? A: High Mowing has prepared me for college — and life — because it challenged me
Georgia Doing ’10 will attend Wellesley College, MA, in the fall. Her interests include the study of medicine — both surgical and holistic healing.
to have original, creative thoughts and to follow through with actions. The High Mowing classroom spends little energy on memorization and regurgitation of facts. Instead, it places students in a state of wonder and forces them to find their own way. This type of innovative, individual thinking is the higher learning that colleges foster. Therefore,
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I feel more prepared for the college classroom, projects and seminars than a student who has memorized any number of SAT facts and figures just to do well on tests. This thinking also transfers into other aspects of life. I know what it is to be a member of a community or team, to interact in a healthy, respectful way — with people of all ages and backgrounds. I have experience working with people and understand the effort it takes to make a group work. High Mowing has given me a true desire to learn, and equipped me with the tools needed to make my life what I want it to be.
Q: What is your best High Mowing memory? A: It is impossible for me to pick out my best memory, there are
Georgia Doing ’10 in the role of Major-General Stanley in The Pirates of Penzance
too many and they are too diverse! That being said, my High Mowing experiences have left me with a distinct set of feelings that I will take with me. These include the feeling of community, the importance of happiness and the gift of opportunity. The people I have met here — teachers, friends, acquaintances — have created an amazing world inside of a world. High Mowing isn’t like any other school, regardless of size, educational philosophy or geographical location. Obviously those aspects do influence a school, but other schools that advertise the same underlying principles do not measure up to High Mowing.
Here, I have learned to balance the needs of others and my responsibility to participate in a community with the vital preservation of my own happiness. This is something I will carry with me throughout my life, and something that will always remind me of High Mowing. My time at High Mowing has been blessed with opportunity. I have been able to try things I never thought possible — like joining the circus my senior year or participating in Model UN (and eventually chairing a conference). I have been able to succeed because of the support I have had. I know my high school experience has been extraordinary, because no other high school tells students how much they are appreciated as people. I will never forget the times a teacher thanked me for my efforts to organize a class project or help a fellow student with homework. It has not been immediate, and I cannot pinpoint exactly when or where it happened, but I feel like I grew into the beginnings of the person I want to become, here at High Mowing.
—Georgia Doing ̓10
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Just Desserts This past Monday night, Alexis PITTMAN ’77 welcomed the class of 2010 to the Alumni/ae Association during the annual Alumni/Senior Dessert. Our graduating seniors will soon join the growing ranks of High Mowing Alumni/ae, the next phase of their lives as part of our community.
Graduating seniors enjoy sweet treats in the Emmet Alumni House during the Alumni/Senior Dessert — an end of year tradition at High Mowing.
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More Notes from the Executive Director
Best Wishes for the Future This is the last issue of More Notes for the school year. It’s a special time for all of us as the year comes to an end. We have worked hard to awaken the capacities of creativity, intellect, compassion and will in all of our students. The events of this week give us the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of a group of graduating students who embody the very best of these capacities. We congratulate our seniors and wish them all the best as they continue on their individual journeys through life. Keep in touch! We want to hear from you in the years ahead. Doug Powers
Executive Director, High Mowing School
PAVING THE WAY: ACCREDITATION UPDATE We have made great progress in this, our “Self-Study” year. As you know, High Mowing is currently pursuing re-accreditation with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and initial accreditation with the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA). We are long-time members of AWSNA and are pleased to be taking part in their newly-offered accreditation program. The work we have undertaken will result in joint accreditation from both organizations.
ommendations together into an overview, with priorities for action and discussion clearly defined.
The Self-Study process has given us a chance to look deeply and broadly at our school and examine the experience of our students here. This work is in preparation for our Accreditation Visiting Team, who will come October 17-20, 2010. We have carefully reviewed our programs, policies and school environment, in light of the standards for accreditation given to us from NEASC and AWSNA.
Our Visiting Team is chaired by Brian Morgan, the Head of School of the White Mountain School in Bethlehem, NH, and includes six other teachers: three from Waldorf schools and three from independent schools located in New England. Our community looks forward to hosting them, and to sharing our wonderful school. They will visit classes, meet with students, teachers and parents, and immerse themselves in High Mowing to get a clear picture of who we are and what we do. We’ll share more details on the visit in the fall.
Our Self-Study document is nearing completion! Observations and recommendations are described in the document, and faculty and board have had the opportunity to reflect and comment on them. The Steering Committee has carefully considered all feedback, and the first part of the document is nearly done. A representative committee of faculty, staff and board members are now working together to draw the many reflections and rec-
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The Steering Committee plans to have a draft of the entire document ready by the end of the school year, so that faculty may review it at the upcoming Professional Days, and the Board can work with it at the June meeting. Final editing and organization will take place over the summer and the report will be published to the entire community in the early weeks of September.
The accreditation process is really about school improvement, and we appreciate the efforts of all members of our community to help to make High Mowing the best it can be! — The Accreditation Steering Committee
Doug Powers, Wendy Bruneau, Molly Geaney, Deb Abrahams-Dematte
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More Notes from the Guidance Office Dillon James Badger Aidan Cameron Blansfield Haley Kate Clougherty Michelle Marie Crocetti Georgia Doing Zoë Elizabeth Falk MacAllister Mendoza Foxweldon Philip John Friel IV Matthias Gerd Ottmar Füll Mica Jasmine Low Daniel Joseph McGuire Matthew Ryan McLean Robert Charles Meissner III Julia Jazmin Ment Amanda Maxine Mullen Louisa Maidara Munk Wells Nicole Marie Perez Brian David Schmidt Martin Klaus Wolfgang Schuster Lilianna B. Marshall Susskind Faustina Tsuguko Takahashi William Hyde Talbot Piper Roe Anna Tasoulas Ariana Rose Taylor Madeline Louise Tucker Dieter August Nelson Ulken Shea Allard Vaccaro Jessica Johanna van Dam John Taggart Wass Abigail Heidi Yandell
Where will they GO? What will they DO? As of More Notes’ press time, here is the list of plans for our rising seniors:
The
Class of 2010
University of New Hampshire .............................. Wildlife and Conservation Biology University of Rhode Island ................................... Undeclared Eckerd College ......................................................... Environmental Studies/Pre-vet Emmanuel College.................................................. Psychology Wellesley College.................................................... Biological Sciences Smith College .......................................................... Pre-Medicine Colby-Sawyer College ........................................... Sports Management University of New Hampshire .............................. Chemistry, Plant Biology and Related Sciences Eckerd College ......................................................... Biology Savannah College of Art and Design ................. Illustration/Graphic Design University of New Hampshire .............................. Computer Sciences and Information Technology Eckerd College ......................................................... Environmental Studies Clark University ....................................................... Business University of California at Santa Barbara......... Studio Arts/Fine Arts Pratt Institute .......................................................... Architecture University of Vermont............................................ Art History University of New Mexico..................................... Journalism Northern Arizona University ................................ Economics Paul Smith’s College............................................... Environmental Studies and Wildlife Massachusetts College of Art and Design ........ Undeclared Montana State University, Bozeman .................. Early Childhood Education/Child Services Pacific Northwest College of Art......................... Sculpture Green Mountain College ....................................... Pyschology and Anthropology The New England Institute of Art ....................... Fashion Merchandising & Retail Management University of South Carolina, Aiken.................... Vet Tech Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University............... Aeronautical Science Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama .... Contemporary Performance Practice
Mercyhurst College ................................................ Forensic Anthropology College of the Atlantic........................................... Human Ecology Lesley University ..................................................... Holistic Psychology
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More Notes School, Faculty and Student News
In the most recent issue of Monadnock Living magazine, High Mowing was featured in an article (top right). In fact, the issue was filled with people related to our school: the gardening and landscaping skills of Seana Cullinan ‘85 were highlighted (far right), along with the artwork of High Mowing parent Mary Graham (right).
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More Notes School, Faculty and Student News continued
“Silas Beardslee had graduated from High Mowing School and was ready to enroll as a theater major at the University of New Hampshire four years ago. Instead, he took a detour and went to the college of life — in Zimbabwe...” So begins the article at SentinelSource.com, the online edition of the Keene Sentinel newspaper. To read the entire compelling story about Silas BEARDSLEE ’06, follow this link: SentinelSource.com
Jonah Tolchin ‘11 of Uncle Fran’s Breakfast performed with the band at Studio 99 in Nashua.
Our own blues trio, Uncle Fran’s Breakfast, finished the year with more of their trademark high-energy performances: the recent Coffeehouse at High Mowing, Milford’s Battle of the Bands and a Featured Artist slot at Nashua’s Studio 99. Uncle Fran’s Breakfast, a trio which has rehearsed throughout the year as part of an advanced independent class at High Mowing, consists of members Shea Vaccaro ’10, bass and vocals, Seamus Conley ’11, drums, bass, guitar, vocals and Jonah Tolchin ’11, guitar and vocals. Videos from the band may be viewed on You Tube. High Mowing musicians participated in several offcampus musical endeavors including: the Keene Chamber Orchestra, the Cecilia Vocal Ensemble in Peterborough, and the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra.
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More Notes School, Faculty and Student News continued
Many thanks to the David Anderson Music Fund, which assisted these students in the All-State Festivals — contributing to application fees, coaching and participation fees. Once again, High Mowing students were represented at the Festivals in numbers far greater than average in relation to the size of our school.
Music Update: All-State Festivals You may remember, back in February, alto vocalist Ellie Davis ’12 attended the NH Jazz All-State Festival. Held at Pinkerton Academy, the NH All-State Jazz 2010 Festival featured more than 100 of the state’s very finest student jazz musicians. Ensembles at the Festival included two big bands and two jazz choirs of approximately 40 students. Ellie’s chorus was directed by Brent LaCasce, a teacher at Fryeburg Academy in Maine. Ellie was one of 14 altos chosen state-wide for the Festival, and spent a weekend in residence at Pinkerton Academy, in rehearsal and performance with her choir. In other All-State Festival news: Zoë Falk ’10, cello, Fana Takahashi ’10, cello, Nicole Perez ’10, viola, and Christian Hoschek ’12, viola, were accepted to the “classical” NH All-State Music Festival 2010, held in Concord this past April. They were joined by Jake Pietroniro ’11, viola, who traveled to the weekend-long Festival with High Mowing, although he’d originally auditioned for the Festival as a student at ConVal, his former high school. These students participated in a full-size symphony orchestra with more than 100 players, directed by Dr. Robert Lehmann, Associate Professor of Music and Director of String Studies and Orchestral Activities at the University of Southern Maine School of Music. Our participants joined more than 500 of NH’s best student musicians accepted to the Festival. It culminated with a performance at Concord’s Capital Center for the Arts. Nicole Perez ’10 was given an award during the Festival by the NH Music Educators’ Association for having been part of an elite group of young musicians: she was accepted to the NH All-State Festival during each of her four years of high school.
The High Mowing Jazz and Blues bands (including Uncle Fran’s Breakfast) performed at the Peterborough Children and the Arts Festival on May 22. Playing in the Peterborough Historical Society, each band performed a 45-minute set.
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More Notes School, Faculty and Student News continued
Libraries are Important to Communities: Letter to the editor, by Carly Abrahams-Dematte I am writing this letter to share my views on the importance of the public libraries in our community in this day and age. I have worked at a public library for over a year now and believe that the great resources and programs that public libraries offer to the people of the area deserve greater attention. This attention would benefit all: communities, individuals and the library. Looking at a library in terms of money, the results are fairly obvious. Each year we circulate many new books, audios, movies and other resources for people. This year alone we have saved almost $800,000 for the patrons at our library. Saving, as everyone knows in this economy, is very important. Books are important as well. The public libraries provide books and many other resources for free. Libraries also conserve energy and other natural resources. If you think about it, you buy a book and read it, once or twice most likely, and then in many circumstances it ends up on your bookshelf and may not be read again or used very much. At a public library, people are able to take out any book they want, again and again if they feel the need, but so can others. The books are used to the fullest and we don’t have to waste resources to make so many books that just sit on the shelf. We also provide public access computers with internet that anyone can use. This is especially important for people who cannot afford computers or internet access as well as anyone else who are out and about and find themselves needing to look up something. Public libraries are a great asset to the individual as well as the community. Along with saving them money, libraries offer a place to socialize with other people through programs and activities. For the adults there are book lectures, art displays, places to host meetings, and many other groups organized by people in the community. For children there are game days, arts and crafts, and story times, perfect entertainment for little kids and a little break for the parents so they can browse for books. As years have progressed there have been more and more programs offered to teens as well and specifically put together in the hopes that more teens would be interested in coming to the library. The biggest jump ahead on this front at my own library is the buying of a Wii gaming device. With this device we hope to draw in more teens to come play, hang out, read books and play. We are not the only library in this country to purchase a Wii, and quite possibly not the last. Our hope is to bring a new kind of people to join the traditional users of libraries.
Carly AbrahamsDematte ’11 works at the Library in Wilton, NH.
One event I have witnessed where the public libraries really showed how great an asset to the community was during the New Hampshire ice storm of December 2008. When many people were out of power, the library, one of the first to get power back on, was there providing access to communication, bottled water, and coffee, trying to make people comfortable in a difficult time.
Reprinted from the Milford Cabinet Newspaper, May 27, 2010
Public libraries play an important role in promoting literacy. It is a free place, open to all, with different programs to encourage all the generations to read. At my own library we have games and reading programs designed to motivate young readers to have fun finding books and activities they love and enjoy doing. One example of this is our Summer Reading Program. This program encourages children to read many books and rewards them with prizes and fun activities.
Wilton Public and Gregg Free
Libraries also protect freedom of speech, part of the U.S. Constitution. Through the ages, books became mass produced and as more people became literate, different belief systems have tried to ban books because of their content. For many years now public libraries have participated in a banned book week where all the books that are banned are put on display where people can find them easily and be encouraged to read them. In our country it is in the First Amendment to the Constitution that we have the freedom to say or write what we want. As a whole, public libraries everywhere are a good resource for communities. They provide a free and essential service and I believe that they succeed in this goal. Many people never set foot in their town libraries and this is very unfortunate. Greater attention and funding towards this service is well deserved.
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More Notes from the Development Office Annual Campaign donations are crucial to the school, helping bridge the gap between tuition income and the actual cost of operating the School. Every gift assists the community, helping pay for tuition assistance, teacher salaries, and other vital expenses. On behalf of all of our students, faculty and staff, thank you!
Thank you! The following parents, together, gave more than $60,000, helping us exceed our goal of raising $260,000. As of June 7, our Annual Campaign total is $275,000! Thank you, too, to our Annual Campaign Parent Committee, whose generosity led the way, inspiring other parents to join them in supporting our students and our school. All of us at High Mowing express our sincere gratitude to: Molly Geaney and Michael Moore, Sabine and Fritz Schuster, Yoko and Seiji Takahashi and Barbara and Peter Talbot.
If you would like to give, there is still time! Our fiscal year comes to a close June 30. Contact Heather Cochrane at 603 654-2391 ext. 105 or mail your check to High Mowing School, Attn: Development Office, 222 Isaac Frye Highway, Wilton, NH 03086.
PARENTS OF SENIORS
Andrea and Keith Badger Jennifer and Chris Blansfield Linda and Frank Brookshire Joanne Crocetti Lulah and Mark Devine Margaret Foxweldon and Leonard Weldon Ellen and Phil Friel Kirsten Hascup Bette Low and Ed Rooney Martha and John McLean Robert Meissner Patricia Meissner Brian Mullen Dianna and Stephen Normanton Belinda Rathbone Bambi and Cliff Schmidt Sabine and Fritz Schuster Ken Susskind and Monica Marshall
Yoko and Seiji Takahashi Barbara and Peter Talbot Rebecca and Koos van Dam Kimberly and John Wass PARENTS OF JUNIORS
Deb and Bill Abrahams-Dematte Ina Anderson Wendy Bruneau Amy and Michael Conley Susan Danoff and Neal Tolchin Joseph Ferlazzo Molly Geaney and Michael Moore David and Evelyn Johnston Dick Oliver Belinda Rathbone Allen Raymond Annette and Stephan Schläfereit Susan Schickel and Craig Wilson Judie and Andrew Sky
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PARENTS OF SOPHOMORES
PARENTS OF FRESHMEN
Wendy Bruneau Amy and Michael Conley Jennifer and Milan Daler Jacqueline and Richard Davis Pamela Dickenson and Mark Salwasser Claudia and Rainer Duchêne Nancy and Patrick Gillam Karen Hennessey Goldman and Andrew Goldman Jim Janetos and Dale Pollack Keon Chong and Ja Won Sung Lee Brian Mullen Dianna and Stephen Normanton Karen Renaud and Vadim Guitman Victoria CHABOT Soodak ‘74 and William SOODAK ‘74 Mary Ellen Stringos Alexis Sukharev
Kurt Anderson Heather and David Cochrane Mary and David Graham Kirsten and Curtis Hill Clarke Laszlo and Virginia Culligan Schoenly and Robert Lester Catherine Marcial Kim McCormick and Bo Bradham Carol and Michael Oliver Dick Oliver Karen Renaud and Vadim Guitman Susan Schickel and Craig Wilson
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More Notes from the Athletic Director
Spring Sports Recognition Ceremony
The Spring Sports Award Ceremony was held on June 8. Several students were recognized for their participation and excellence in Baseball (Boys) and Lacrosse (Girls). Coach Rich Solito extended his praise to the entire baseball team, but wished to single out four “Senior All Stars” for their extra special dedication to the sport: Mac Foxweldon, Gus Meissner, Matthias Fuell, and Shea Vaccaro. The Girls Lacrosse Coach, Wendy Fielding, also gave special awards to several players: Abby Yandell ’10, Offensive Player Award, Erica Oliver ’11, Defensive Player Award, and Allison Hill ’13, Rookie of the Year. Additionally, Coach Fielding praised the efforts of all the players who helped make the 2010 lacrosse season a winning one. Two final awards were given: Dillon Badger ’10, Outstanding Athlete, and Gus Meissner ’10, Scholar Athlete. Both were inducted into the High Mowing Hall of Fame for 2010. Congratulations to all the athletes for the 2009/2010 season!
from the Naturalist Program
Spring Sports Recognition Ceremony Naturalist spent the last week of school “breaking” deer hides. Students fleshed and cleaned these hides earlier in the spring. Now they softened them to a point where they can be converted into “Medicine Bags,” small pouches to contain dried herbs collected this spring.
Jonah Tolchin ’11 and Nick Ferlazzo ’11, before and after a week in the wilds, where they applied their naturalist skills during a trial survival experience. They took with them only what you see, relying on their knowledge of edible plants, survival shelters and fire building. They also kept a journal of their experiences and brought back some mighty tales.
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More Notes from the Parent Association
CONGRATULATIONS
to all of our seniors and their families. We will miss you!
Reflections on a Busy Year We would like to thank all of the parents who devoted their time and energy to support High Mowing through the Parent Association. Special thanks to our class representatives Phil Friel, Bob Meissner, Michael Moore, Evie Johnston, Deb AbrahamsDematte, Michael Dias, Paola Santillan, Kurt Anderson, Mary Graham, and Craig Wilson. These parents were active in fundraising, communications and communitybuilding and deserve our thanks for making High Mowing a better place! This was a busy year for the Parent Association. We held monthly meetings to plan fundraising events, review reports from the Faculty and discuss student issues. Several social events were also held, including an evening with Katrina Kenison — mother of Henry Lewers ’08 — to discuss her recently published book, The Gift of an Ordinary Day. A December potluck included carols and story telling by Susan Danoff — mother of Jonah Tolchin ’11. There were potluck meetings at the Conley’s in Milford and the Friel’s in Amherst. Social events were also hosted during Opening Weekend in September, Parents Weekend in October and Winterfest in February. We also worked to promote better communications in several ways. Sophomore parents called new families to welcome them in September, offering them an opportunity to discuss concerns and questions. The new website and enhanced More Notes enabled us to submit events, minutes of meetings and other news. The Parent Association assisted with the Accreditation SelfStudy effort. We promoted and participated in the parent survey in the fall and reviewed and analyzed the results. We also supported many High Mowing events including: Parent’s Weekend, May Day Festival, Spring Play and the “Captain’s Choice” fund raiser, Winterfest and several concerts. Thanks to all of the parents who volunteered to help with these events by baking, driving, planning, cleaning up and more! Please contact one of us if you are interested in helping the Parent Association, as we make plans for a community Barn Dance event on September 25. A big thanks to Heather Cochrane, Doug Powers and the entire faculty and staff at High Mowing. It has been a pleasure working with you and we wish you a relaxing summer!
—Ellen Friel, parent of P.J. Friel ’10 —Amy Conley, parent of Seamus Conley ’11 and Claire Conley ’12
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More Notes Upcoming Events Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
June
Sunday
GRADUATION EVENTS
Today, June 10:
Senior Class Play, 7:30p.m. in the Big Room
Friday, June 11:
Arrive at Science Auditorium by 3:30p.m. Baccalaureate, 4:00p.m. Senior Play, 7:30p.m. in the Big Room
Saturday, June 12: Roll Call and Spirit Shirt Award, 8:00a.m. Arrive at Big Room, dressed for Graduation by 10:00a.m. Class Picture, 10:30a.m.
Graduation!
11:00a.m. Graduation Lunch Buffet, following Graduation
More Notes from High Mowing School
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More Notes MORE NOTES is published throughout the school year by High Mowing School.
Events Summer Renewal Courses Enrolling Did you know that High Mowing becomes a bustling summer campus for Renewal Courses during the week of June 27 - July 2, and from July 4 - 9? These annual courses were created for teachers of both grade and high school, parents, administrators, board members, trustees and friends of Waldorf. You can find our course description book by following the links here. Please take a look and feel free to spread the word. Hoping to see you on the hill this summer! — Karine Munk Finser, Milan Daler, and Douglas Gerwin Center for Anthroposophy / P.O. Box 545 / Wilton, NH 03086 Click on the course catalog for more complete listing Or go directly to www.centerforanthroposophy.org
High Mowing School 222 Isaac Frye Highway Wilton, NH 03086 603 654-2391
www.highmowing.org
HIGH MOWING SCHOOL
NEW STUDENTS AND PARENTS ARE WARMLY INVITED TO A PICNIC AT HIGH MOWING!
SATURDAY JUNE 26 10:00A.M. TO 1:30P.M. Editor and Designer: Nancy Tichanuk
Please respond to the Admissions Office by June 23, at 603 654-2391. Ask for Pat Meissner, ext. 109 or Nadia Shahmehri, ext. 103
Reception: 10:00a.m. Program: 10:30a.m.
Development Director: Heather Cochrane Executive Director: Doug Powers More Notes from High Mowing School
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Your school is a member of the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) through AWSNA. Representatives of 90% of all independent and faith-based education in the United States comprise this Board. There are 35 states, also, with CAPE branches, working on advocacy for independent schooling, legislation, and entitlements on the state level. Read this month's “Outlook,” CAPE's monthly newsletter http://www.capenet.org/pdf/Outlook355.pdf. Sign up to receive it directly and learn about laws in the United States that directly affect education. Also, our Canadian and Mexican colleagues might glean ideas for legislation in your countries and educate those of us in the U.S. about the ways this is handled in your governments. Current trends indicate that there is an increasing push against independent schools and for more public schooling everywhere, and that, more and more, the lines are being blurred in the differences between independent schools that operate freely from government intervention and government charter schools that have limited independence. CAPE is working hard for us to build a different imagination of pluralism, choice, and education towards freedom. The Susquehanna Waldorf School in Pennsylvania was invited to Barnes & Noble bookstore to perform there recently. Fifth through eighth graders sang and the seventh and eighth grade orchestra performed, ending with the rousing William Tell Overture by Rossini. For many hours during the day, a percentage of all sales were designated for the school, there was a “wishing book” table to purchase a book for the school’s library, a table to find information on Waldorf Education and the Susquehanna Waldorf School. The woodwork teacher set up “shop” in the children’s book section and let children try tools and explained to their parents the value of wood and metal working in the education of a child, building will development, artistic sensibilities, correct judgment, and cultivating sensory integration and confidence. It was a fine day of partnership with the literate business world through books and music. Seven Waldorf/Steiner Schools from the Northeast Collaborated for a first ever “Young Alumni Night.” They met at the Gin Mill, a 1920s style speakeasy bar on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The event was an opportunity for Waldorf/Steiner alums to reconnect with familiar faces and network with alumni from other schools. The Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School, Green Meadow Waldorf School, Hawthorne Valley School, Kimberton Waldorf School, Rudolf Steiner School of NYC, Waldorf School of Garden City, and Waldorf School of Princeton combined resources and finances to provide a private party room and food for the night’s festivities. Including graduates, administrators, and guests, the event drew close to 80 people. Kirin Buckley, AWSNA’s web editor, attended as a graduate of Hawthorne Valley School and reported that she had a great time – she’s hoping that on the heels of this wonderful event more mixed-Waldorf school alumni reunions can be organized across the country. Don’t forget to register for the AWSNA Summer Conference, held from June 22 - 25, 2010 in beautiful Decatur, GA, hosted by The Waldorf School of Atlanta and Academe of the Oaks. It offers abchance to learn more about adolescence from a Waldorf perspective. Also, come and golf at 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. Contact Sarah Dinan at sdinan@awsna.org. Also: view the new promotional video for Sound Circle Eurythmy - beautiful! www.soundcircleeurythmy.org
www.awsna.org/catalog
insPirAtionAl CHildren’s Books
book of the month Helen and Penelope Author: L.F.C. Mees, MD Publisher: AWSNA Publications
For Children Ages 11-15 years
new book
Dr. Mees brings the mental pictures conjured forth from Greek mythology, especially from the Iliad and the Odyssey by Homer, to new life. The author examines these images as expressions of the development of consciousness within the evolving human being. This book is a necessity for background reading for Waldorf 5th and 10th class teachers as well as for all students and lovers of mythology. 160 pages Illustrated 6 x 8.5 inches
inspirational CHILDREN’S BOOKS
Price: $12.00 Please use coupon below to receive your 10% discount.
10off %
To redeem your coupon, enter the coupon code cB0810AP at check out. This offer is only valid for products categorized as Children’s Books and published by AWSNA Publications. Also, the offer is only valid on purchases made using the Why Waldorf Works Books&More online store. This coupon is valid from June 5th though July 4th, 2010. Please Note: Coupon Codes do not contain the letter ‘O’, but may include zeros.
Review and choose from a wonderful selection of teacher approved, developmentally appropriate children’s books on the Why Waldorf Works® Books&More online store at www.awsna.org/catalog online or visit the Why Waldorf Works website at www.whywaldorfworks.org and click on ‘Books&More Store’. Why Waldorf Works® Books&More. Another source for Inspired LearningSM.