OCTOBER 2011
Twenty-Eight Students Earn AP Scholar Awards Twenty-eight students at The Montgomery Academy have Eight students qualified for the AP Scholar with earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their Distinction Award by earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five exceptional achievement on AP Exams. more of these exams. These students are: Haley The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program Andreades, Tade Anzalone, Sarah Harmon Hood, provides willing and academically prepared students with Davis Hudson, Win Knowles, Will Massey, James the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while Trevor and Taylor Turner. still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performances on the AP Eight students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Exams. About 18 percent of the more than 9 million Award by earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all students worldwide who took AP exams performed at a AP Exams takes, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These students are: Hamilton Bloom, sufficiently high level to also earn an AP Scholar award. Randal Brown, Alex Garcia, Grace Haynes, William The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement Hughes, Rachel O’Meara, Callie Price and Audrey based on students’ performance on AP exams. Woika.
AP Scholars: front row from left to right: Rosalind O'Connor, Caroline Rickard, and Erin Katz. back row from left to right: Clayton Crenshaw, Ryan Zienert, Bo Starke, and Stephen Scott qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with scores of 3 or higher.
AP Scholars with Honor: from left to right: MA Seniors Rachel O'Meara and Audrey Woika were named AP Scholars with Honor by earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.
Twelve students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with scores of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are: Beverly Brown, Daeil Chung, Clayton Crenshaw, Andrew Crum, Erin Katz, Meredith Lee, Rosalind O’Connor, Caroline Rickard, Stephen Scott, Bo Starke, Winston Waters and Ryan Zienert. Of the 2010-2011 award recipients, nine were sophomores or juniors: Clayton Crenshaw, Erin Katz, Rosalind O’Connor, Caroline Rickard, Stephen Scott, Bo Starke, Ryan Zienert, Rachel O’Meara and Audrey Woika. These students have at least one more year in which to complete college-level work and possibly earn a higherlevel AP Scholar Award.
Each exam is developed by a committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers, ensuring that AP Exams are aligned with the same high standards expected by college faculty at some of the nation’s leading liberal arts and research institutions. More than 3,800 colleges and universities annually receive AP scores. Most fouryear colleges in the United States provide credit and/or advanced placement for qualifying exam scores. Research consistently shows that AP students who score a 3 or higher on AP Exams (based on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest) typically experience greater academic success in college and have higher college graduation rates than students who do not participate in AP.
THE MONTGOMERY ACADEMY Middle School Theater
The
P R E S E N T S
SeussOdyssey by Don Zolidis
October13@7:00p.m.•October14&15@4:00p.m. Wilson Theater Tickets available on montgomeryacademy.org Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com)
Academy Forensics Team Named Top 100 Program The Montgomery Academy has been recognized as one of the nation’s Top 100 schools in speech and debate activities by the National Forensic League (NFL). The Montgomery Academy ranks 89 out of over 3,000 schools nationwide based on student participation and achievement in speech and debate activities. Recipient schools are published in Rostrum, the national magazine of high school speech, and on www.nflonline.org, the website of the National Forensic League.
Ninth Grader Sallie Johnson Wins Essay Contest The Academy is proud to recognize ninth grader Sallie Johnson for her recent publication of her third place essay in the September edition of The Chronicle of the Horse magazine. A national weekly equestrian magazine, this issue focused on foxhunting. Sallie's essay entitled "Calling for Tradition," looked back at the legacy and tradition of foxhunting. Sallie has been horseback riding since she was a young girl and eventing (an equestrian event comprising of dressage, cross country and show jumping) since the age of five. She started foxhunting two years ago and really enjoys it. You can read her article online at www.chronofhorse.com in the September 5, 2011 issue on page 28.
Forty-six Students Qualify for Duke Talent Identification Program Forty-six students from The Montgomery Academy seventh grade class qualified to participate in the 32nd Annual Scholastic Talent Search sponsored by the Duke University Talent Identification Program. Eligible students must have scored at the 95th percentile or higher on a grade-level standardized achievement test, such as the Educational Records Bureau Comprehensive Testing Program. These students are: Margaret Ann Allen, Hannon Bagwell, Laurel Buettner, Anna Claire Bullard, Amber Carter, Sean Choi, Ford Cleveland, Landon Crane, Kate Dockery, Emily Ernest, Dora Eskridge, Lindsey Ferraro, John Forrest, Robert Fox, Emma Franklin, Darry Elizabeth Freeman, Chandler Gautney, Jenny Jeon, Justin Jones, Michael Kelley, John Koo, Anna Kate Lindsey, Mason Little, Lucie Longshore, Sellers McConnell, Alice McGowin, Kate Moore, Ford Mozingo, George Norrell, Will Palmer, Ellen Park, Jake Parker, Griffin Payne, Sister Penton, Elizabeth Robertson, Caroline Sellers, Porter Simpler, Jalen Smith, Camp Spain, Ann Vivian Spencer, Mary Neill Starke, Helen Taylor, Graham Waldo, Olivia White, Talya Whyte, and Dison Williams
Health and Wellness at the Academy The Montgomery Academy prides itself on being a leader in academics, athletics, arts, and activities. In the athletics category, the Academy is second to none. With incredibly talented and accomplished teachers and state-of-the art equipment and facilities, MA goes above and beyond to deliver its students a first class physical education experience and promote and instill a healthy lifestyle in them. What makes The Montgomery Academy’s physical education experience different than any other schools is the way the classes are instructed. Instead of having a semester of health with lectures and tests, wellness education is incorporated in their physical education class everyday. “Our kids have enough sitting around and test taking as it is,” says David Bethea, Head of the Physical Education Department. “We want to educate them through experience.” And they are always finding innovative ways to teach the students about leading a healthy lifestyle that goes far beyond just physical activity. One program the physical education department teaches for seniors is a course on how to avoid the “Freshman 15,” highlighting healthy eating options and activities for that first year away from home. Just recently, the Upper School girls had a first period “healthy breakfast” where they were served different healthy options for that oh-soimportant first meal of the day. Coach Bethea discussed the food options and explained to the girls why it’s healthy and a good breakfast choice. “We hope this will teach them why it’s important not to just grab a doughnut for breakfast,” said Bethea. “We try to inspire by doing.” Julie Sinclair, Associate Director of the Athletics Department also teaches classes at Metro Fitness. “We are doing the same exercises and activities with our students that the trainers at Metro Fitness do with their clients,” said Sinclair. “We do the exact same type of training so that our students will learn the proper way to work out and not have to hire a $70 an hour personal trainer later in life.” A normal week of physical education classes at the Academy will consist of two days in the state-of-the-art weight room, one day running or doing circuits, and two days learning to play something like tennis or ultimate frisbee. The students couldn’t ask for a better place to do something physical or play sports. The Academy is equipped with a sizeable weight room, a Photos top to bottom: David Bethea and Julie Sinclair teach football field, soccer field, five tennis courts, two gymnasiums, and softball and baseball fields. The Montgomery Academy is students about healthy lifestyles. Physical Education classes integrate sports, such as volleyball, with weight training and really on top when it comes to athletics. But it’s more than just other strength building exercises in physical education classes. athletics; it’s learning how to take care of your body and live a healthy lifestyle.
FROM THE HEAD of SCHOOL MONTHLY UPDATES
FROM
Last spring I met with every senior to ask them to reflect on their MA student experience. The meetings were extraordinarily informative, affirming and uplifting. I liked them so much I decided to invite parents of seniors, in small groups of 3- 4 couples, to several breakfasts this fall to ask for their perspective. I opened every meeting with the same question: What promises can I make to prospective families who are considering joining our school community? As the parents thought about the question, I reminded them that I could never promise a perfect experience or an easy journey. It didn’t take long for the groups to open up and to share. Below are the top two promises I heard during all of the parent meetings:
D AV E FA R AC E
• The faculty take care of and love our children • Teachers pour themselves into their students • The Academy produces intelligent, confident, independent learners and thinkers • Students learn to advocate for themselves and are empowered to make their own decisions and develop independence
Montgomery Academy offers the best, most well-rounded educational experience in the River Region
As an educator who is a true believer in the power and effectiveness of independent school cultures, these sessions were down right intoxicating for me! Our parents of seniors were, in effect, fully endorsing and embracing the mission of the Academy. They value our faculty’s unrelenting commitment to educating the whole child; they believe in the importance of academics, the arts, athletics and service to developing intellectual curiosity and emotional wisdom; and they recognize that character is as important as intellect for success in college and in life.
Our students are exceptionally well-prepared for college and life beyond college
As we enter this year’s admissions season, I will proudly share these parent promises with prospective families.
I wanted to press the parents a little and asked them to If you think I should add others, please feel free to contact me unpackage these promises by offering more details. They at 272-8210 or dave_farace@montgomeryacademy.org. I then offered specific promises about our faculty and their promise I’ll be a good listener. children:
Empowered Parenting Featuring Stacey DeWitt Tuesday, October 4 7:00 p.m. Wilson Theater
This exciting evening for parents features Stacey DeWitt, an attorney, former child advocate with the juvenile system and television journalist, who launched Connect with Kids 10 years ago to support her passion for helping children and families. Today, Connect with Kids produces news, Emmy-award winning television programs and parenting DVDs to give parents a glimpse into the lives of children and learn more about what parents can do to help their kids make good decisions - to keep our good kids on track. The presentation is designed for parents of students of all ages and promises important research based information and strategies for the perplexing problems of parenting.
The Academy Introduces “Talk About It” Teenagers have to deal with so many different issues of concern today including peer pressure, bullying, and depression to name a few. Kids are growing up in an ever-evolving world, different from even a few years ago, and it can be stressful. Sometimes it can be difficult for them to reach out to someone for whatever reason, and that’s where Talk About It comes in. Talk About It is the leader in anonymous text and online communication and is currently serving hundreds of schools in 20 states. So what exactly is it? It’s a way for students to communicate via text or e-mail to selected faculty members about any issues they might be experiencing at school whether it be stress, family problems, drugs and alcohol, bullying, etc. Students may choose to identify themselves online or they may submit their communication anonymously. Although faculty may encourage anonymous students to identify themselves, the school will respect the anonymity of those users unless they pose a threat to themselves, other students, or to the school. Currently many Academy students are comfortable approaching teachers and
counselors with their problems, but by adding an additional channel of student commuication “We don’t want an instance or issue with our kids to go unnoticed,” explains Middle School Counselor Brandalyn Wright.
of different problems that adolescents encounter. “This system has contributed greatly to a 70% reduction in students’ belief that bullying is a problem at Canyon Vista Middle School,” said Barbara Paris, Principal.
“This system of communication will give them a way to communicate any problems with us they are experiencing at school without the fear of anyone else finding out,” Wright continued.
There are also numerous reports of Talk About It preventing suicide in troubled teens in schools using the system. In the next few weeks, Talk About It will be introduced to Middle and Upper School students. Ten Academy faculty members have been trained on how to use the Talk About It and will be the ones communicating with the students when they send messages through the system about any problems or concerns they may be having.
If a student is being bullied, or for whatever reason doesn’t feel like they can openly seek assistance for an issue, this gives them another way to reach out. Talk About It has been very successful in other schools across the nation in helping to prevent and reduce all kinds
The Academy hopes this program will give our students another safe place to voice any issues they are having either personally or with other students. Please join us in encouraging your children to use this communication tool.
Forensics Team Off to a Strong Start The Montgomery Academy Forensics Team had a great showing at the Marilee Dukes Novice Tournament held at Vestavia Hills High School. Competing against teams from 21 schools and four states, 14 students participated and received recognition for 10 awards. In Public Forum Debate, Graham Schmidt and Jonathan Moore went undefeated winning all four of their rounds and placed third overall while Will Cochran and Benton Hughes won three of their four rounds placing 16th overall. In Duo Interpretation, Evan Price and Kris Monsen placed third overall and Jack LaPlatney and Bruce Parrish took fifth place. In Original Oratory, third place overall went to Kris Monsen. Evan Price took third place overall in Prose/Poetry Interpretation. The team will be back in action on October 7-8 at the 20th annual Raymond B. Furlong Invitational hosted by St. James School.
A ROUND E ACH D IVISION FROM
THE
LOW E R , M I D D L E
AND
UPPER SCHOOL DIRECTORS
PRINGLE’S PAGES October 2011 As I checked our calendar for October, I once again realized what a busy month it is. There are special events scattered throughout the school. Fall not only ushers in nice weather and football, but lots of Lower School fun! The seniors will be coming to the Lower School on October 11 to share an activity with their Kindergarten buddies. This will be the first of several times the Kindergarten students will get together with their senior buddies during the school year. We are all excited about their first visit. The Kindergarten students have other fun events on their October calendar. A highlight each year is the visit of Deputy Dave with the Kindergarten classes on October 5. On Friday, October 14, the Kindergarten students and their dads or special friends will celebrate “Daddy Day at the Park,” and the next week they will take a field trip to a local fire station. What fun it is to be part of MA Kindergarten–the children learn valuable lessons in such fun ways! In addition to the visit from the seniors, some of the tenth and eleventh graders will visit the Lower School during the month of October.
These Upper School students are selected to sing and a treat for those members of a group that encourages who attend the performance. a special relationship with our fourth graders. The fourth grade will be going to Huntsville to visit the U.S. Space & The third graders recently enjoyed Rocket Center on October 21. This is Zoo Day. This field trip is always well a highly anticipated field trip each planned and both the children and year. It is a full day and provides a teachers have a great time enjoying the unique opportunity for classmates to zoo while broadening their horizons bond with each other and their about the animal kingdom. teachers as they travel together and learn about the space program. The Eagleaires (Lower School Chorus) will be performing at the The Lower School fall coffees have Alabama State Fair at 3:30 p.m. on been well attended and quite October 10 and would love for you to enjoyable. These coffees are informal, come to the Fair that day and support providing an opportunity for parents them. They will also be singing at the to get together with each other and Holiday Market at noon on October administrators in a relaxed setting. 14. I know I am predjudiced, but they sound fantastic and are the best The first grading period ends October Lower School Choral group 14 and report cards will be sent home anywhere. The members work hard on October 21. Discuss the report and represent us well. They always card with your children and point out areas that should make your child feel make me feel so proud! proud and areas that need attention. Some fourth grade members of the Please do not over emphasize the Eagleaires will join some of the report card, but use it in a positive members of the Middle School way to promote helpful discussions. Chorus at the Alabama Music Educators Association Workshop in Remember that the report card is only Birmingham on October 7. These one method of communicating your students will participate in a concert child’s progress. Teachers hold that evening with children from across individual conferences in the fall and the state at Samford University. It will are available to discuss student be a special experience for those performance and issues as they arise.
Please do not hesitate to let your child’s teacher or me know when you have concerns or topics you wish to discuss. As I address communication, I must mention the Academics Manager Parent Portal. The faculty is working to make this an excellent method of communication between you and the school. We are excited about it and hope you are as well. Please use it as your first resource to answer homework and schedule questions. I would like to thank all of you for your participation in our recent magazine drive. The POA uses the money earned through the magazine
sales to assist us in many ways, including providing financial resources for professional development. You can order magazines through MA’s website throughout the year and the school will get the credit. Please remember this when you wish to renew a magazine subscription.
Before concluding this issue of Pringle’s Pages, I want to remind you that our Kindergarten Open House will be November 3. Please encourage any prospective kindergarten parents to call the admissions office to make sure they are invited. Interested persons can also register online. This is an important event at the Lower School and is always a special evening. The Scholastic Book Fair will be at I am confident that this year’s Open The Lower School from October House will be the best ever! 26–November 2. The students love shopping in the library and it is a great Take care, time to purchase books for children Jan Pringle on your holiday list. Many of you will Lower School Director be volunteering during the book fair and I want to thank you in advance for helping us.
MCWILLIAMS IN THE MIDDLE October 2011 I continue to be pleased with how the year is developing in the Middle School. We had an exciting homecoming week, and we’re now settling back into a somewhat normal routine prior to the end of the grading period on October 14. First of all, I would like to highlight several new programs at the Academy that will have an immediate impact on the Middle School. I hope that you noticed the article about the new “Talk About It” program in this issue of Around the Academy. “Talk About It” is quickly becoming one of most acclaimed programs for helping students report problems that they are having to school counselors, administrators, and other teachers. I am very excited that this tool will be offered to our students, and I hope that MA students will take advantage
of this new communication.
channel
of performances of the play in the Wilson Theater: October 13 at 7:00 P.M., October 14 at 4:00 P.M. and Furthermore, I am excited about our October 15 and 4:00 P.M. This play new PARENTS+ program at the is sure to delight all ages as it tells the Academy, and I’m specifically looking story of Homer’s classic epic in the forward to the Middle School Brown style of Dr. Seuss. Over forty Middle Bag Lunch series. On October 18, School students will appear onstage in Dr. Bob Beshear will address Middle this production! Tickets are available School parents on the physical and on the school website. emotional changes that children experience in the Middle School Over the course of the year so far, I’ve years. On November 15, I will lead a enjoyed celebrating the successes of discussion of academic motivation by our athletic teams. All of the fall focusing on Daniel Pink’s bestselling athletic teams have had strong book, Drive. Both of these sessions seasons. However, I’ve noticed an will be held in the Mazyck Commons interesting pattern about some of the at noon. I hope that you will make highlights of the fall: several of the plans to attend. most memorable moments have occurred when we’ve lost rather than I also hope that you will plan to when we’ve won. I don’t think that attend the Middle School play, The anyone who attended the games will SeussOdyssey. There will be three be able to forget the Middle School
football team’s impressive comeback against Trinity or the volleyball team’s passionate play at the CCC tournament. In both of these cases, our athletes had to confront the reality that their valiant efforts did not result in a victory. However, there’s evidence to suggest that losing might not be so bad after all. Recently, The New York Times published an article by Paul Tough entitled “What if the Secret to Success is Failure?” In the article, Tough analyzes a character development program at a prominent independent school in New York. Tough suggests that some problems often emerge for kids today when parents or schools shield children from difficulties. Tough writes, “we have an acute,
almost biological impulse to provide for our children, to give them everything they want and need, to protect them from dangers and discomforts both large and small. And yet we all know — on some level, at least — that what kids need more than anything is a little hardship: some challenge, some deprivation that they can overcome, even if just to prove to themselves that they can.” Although I know that our students and parents would have been happier if we had won that football game in overtime or if we had prevailed in the final CCC volleyball match, we must admit that it is okay (or perhaps even preferable) for our students to experience the pangs of defeat once in a while. Don’t get me wrong, I will always cheer for our students to have
success in their endeavors; however, I think that it is instructive for our students to encounter adversity and figure out how to best deal with that disappointment. Fortunately, I am pleased to report that our students have handled these minor examples of adversity extremely well. These experiences will help our students later on in their lives when the stakes may be higher. Enjoy the cooler weather on the horizon! I look forward to another exciting month in the Middle School! John McWilliams Middle School Director
FROM THE UPPER SCHOOL October 2011 Two big events dominate the calendar Aside from debates about whether the and my thinking (maybe yours too) as revelry goes on too long, or interferes we move from September to October: with study or doesn’t, or whether it Homecoming and the first quarter actually has anything to do with its grade report. One exists alongside our origins as a welcome back to alumni, culture of achievement; the other is an Homecoming is an exercise in balance that is good for the kids in ways that official record of it. transcend mere fun or school spirit. Homecoming this year maintained a fragile equilibrium between having We all have to figure out how to have school and abandoning school in a good time without completely favor of silly outfits and the nighttime losing our way. Times of celebration construction of gigantic arts and crafts don’t last, but commitments and projects. As usual, some learning got obligations do. This Homecoming I done and some pretty impressive was struck more than usual by the floats came together. It was gratifying kids’ maturity in determining how to see the kids working together, much time they could give to building making and adjusting plans, floats, while figuring in the demands managing unfamiliar tools and of sports practices and the like as well. materials, helping each other get the When I walked past classrooms, these big picture and the details to mesh. odd, cartoonish figures were bent over
pencil and paper or participating in focused discussions. It was a bit surreal, but in a good way. The ability to make smart decisions, with an eye always on the big picture, must constantly be honed. I’m glad to have seen evidence of sharp skills becoming sharper. Report cards, of course, indicate the sharpness that academic, as opposed to decision-making, skills have reached. It’s easy to forget that these skills exist on a continuum, that they are always being developed and improved. A 9-week report shows a level of knowledge at a given time, but that level moves and shifts from one day to the next. The report is a good indication of progress made and improvements needed and, just as
important, clears a space for reflection about learning. As the weeks go by, a student adjusts his or her approaches to homework and reading and so on as it becomes clearer what aids real learning and what doesn’t. At these 9-week checkpoints, both student and teacher can reflect on the highs and lows of the term and plan for the next one. Often one lesson that emerges for a student is that each assignment, no matter how small, definitely carries a certain amount of weight, though most of the time no one assignment can in itself account for a difference of one or a few points in the final average. Instead, each one has its inexorable effect, so that ending up with a 79 instead of an 80 or an 89 instead of a 90 is usually a matter of a few missed opportunities. Upon receiving the first quarter report this month, each student would be wise to think about ways to rethink and retool so that those opportunities are seized and pay off, both in points earned and skills refined.
Are you ready for cooler weather? Get your MA Stadium Blankets and Hooded Sweatshirts Now at Wrap It Up!
Cheryl McKiearnan Upper School Director
WSFA Meteorologist Josh Johnson Visits 4th Grade
carnival
Monday, October 31 WSFA Meteorologist Josh Johnson recently visited MA fourth graders as they studied the science of weather. Josh discussed weather patterns, what causes thunder and lightning, and how the students can be prepared for severe weather.
3:15 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Food, Fun and Frights! Casserole, Soup and Bake Sale
MA Teachers Enjoy Professional Development Programs Over the Summer: Part Two Last month we began highlighting members of our faculty who had the opportunity to participate in different summer study programs. We continue that here with four more interesting accounts. Teresa Pittman, Upper and Middle School Latin teacher attended the American Classical League 64th Annual Institute at the University of Minnesota June 24-27. This is the most prestigious and well known classical studies conferences in the nation. It included a wide variety of workshops, with special focus on the use of technology in the classroom. This year the conference had a six-hour Pre-Institute workshop on preparing to teach the new AP Latin course that is scheduled to take effect in 2012-2013. There was also a special guest speaker: Father Reginald Foster who is considered to be among the world’s foremost authorities in the Latin Language and known as “the Pope’s Latinist”. Father Reginald has been on staff at the Vatican for almost 50 years and rarely makes appearances in the United States. The conference was also a great opportunity to network with Latin teachers from across the country. Cliff Huckabee, Lower School music teacher, attended the JW Pepper Joy of Singing Workshop in Atlanta Georgia over the summer. Several composers were there to demonstrate their compositions, which was great because the teachers got to hear the different pieces before buying them. There was also a choreography workshop with John Jacobson where the teachers learned different dance moves to add to songs for chorus. Mr. Huckabee had a great experience and was able to find new music for both chorus and the third grade play. Melissa Anderson, Upper School science teacher attended a two-week long workshop in New Orleans where she learned to use The Modeling Method of High School Physics Instruction. This method of instruction organizes
the study of physics around a small number of scientific models that build upon one another, thus making the course coherent. Students are also involved in discussing their naïve, but firmly held beliefs about the physical world. As a result, most of these beliefs are replaced with a corrected understanding of the physical world. A modeling unit begins with a paradigm lab in which the teacher leads a pre-lab discussion in order for students to develop a hypothesis. The next step is for students to design an experiment, followed by a lab investigation and finally a post-lab discussion about their model. These ideas are reinforced through a lab practicum and unit test. Anderson recently presented The Modeling Method of Instruction to her colleagues in an Upper School faculty meeting, and her enthusiasm was contagious! In fact, she is assisting her physics colleague, Justin Little, with his implementation of this method of instruction as well. Upper School English Teacher, Kevin Weatherhill, attended his fourth of five summers at Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School of English. This is a graduate program, ideal for teachers, as they offer two courses a summer over a six week period. There are five categories of study the program focuses on: Creative Writing, American Literature, British Literature prior to the 17th Century, British Literature post-17th Century, and World Literature. The living arrangements at Middlebury are quite rustic – wood cabins with no air conditioning and no televisions. “It’s perfect for the earnest study of literature,” Mr. Weatherill muses. Over the past four years, his course work has covered topics such as the Bible as Literature, Hip Hop and Youth Culture, Literacy as a Civil Right, and the Contemporary American Short Story. Each of these courses has had a profound impact on what he teaches and how he teaches it. When he completes his last two courses next summer, he will graduate from the program with a Masters of Arts in Literature.
MA Celebrates Homecoming
Congratulations to the members of the 2011 Homecoming Court (from left to right): Elizabeth McGowin (9th grade), Sarah Paige Massey (10th grade), Sarah Catherine Hook (11th grade), Head of School Dave Farace, Lauren Jones (Kindergarten), Miah Brooks (Queen 12th grade), Haley Andreades (2010 Queen, Freshman at Vanderbilt University), Cassie Price (12th grade), Erin Katz (12th grade), Catherine Adams (12th grade), Sarah Ross Adams (11th grade), Garrett Barnes (10th grade), and McEachern Foy (9th grade). The Montgomery Academy celebrated Homecoming 2011 on Friday, September 23. Lower To see more photos from School students began the day with a pep rally with cheerleaders and football players. Middle the Homecoming parade, School students had a homeroom window decorating contest showing their MA spirit. click here. For more Upper School students created, built and decorated floats for the annual parade around the photos from the Vaughn Road campus and the Hill campus as Lower and Middle School students cheered Homecoming pep rally them on. The Varsity football team played a tough match up against the St James Trojans and football game, while Miah Brooks was crowned the 2011 Homecoming Queen during halftime. click here.
The Time To Apply Is Now! Come see the
"MA Difference!"
If interested in Applying to Kindergarten, please contact the Admissions Office or inquire online Kindergarten Open House is November 3, 2011 Middle and Upper School Prospective Student Open House will be January 24th at 11:30 a.m. Please call Susannah Cleveland or Linda Hummel at 273-7152 or visit our website at www.montgomeryacademy.org to request more information. Financial Aid is available .