TNN • Tiger News Network • 17 May 2024


 


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Best of luck to our girls varsity lacrosse team as the squad hosts Governor's Academy tomorrow (Saturday, May 18) at 2 p.m. on Kendall Field in the ISL semifinals. Also tomorrow, the girls varsity track & field team travels to Deerfield for the Class A New England Prep School Tournament while the boys varsity track & field team travels to Tabor for the Class B New England Prep School Tournament. Go, Tigers!

See all upcoming games and meets for Thayer teams in the Athletics section.

Important Dates at a Glance
May and early June at Thayer are filled with a number of milestones and celebrations. Key dates include: 

  • Memorial Day (No School): Monday, May 27
  • Review Day/Last Day of Classes for the Upper School (Grades 9-11): Tuesday, May 28
  • Last Day of Classes for the Middle School: Tuesday, June 4
  • Prom: Wednesday, June 5
  • Middle School Recognition Day: Thursday, June 6 
  • Upper School Last Chapel: Friday, June 7
  • Commencement: Saturday, June 8

Prom Info; Deadline for Tickets Is May 24
Thayer Academy's Junior/Senior Prom will be held Wednesday, June 5, at Gillette Stadium. Prom tickets are currently available and must be purchased by Friday, May 24. Please make sure tickets are purchased BEFORE seniors leave on any trips. 

Prom festivities begin on Thayer’s Teardrop with prom pictures at 6 p.m. Students then board buses to Gillette at 7 p.m. Students should arrive back at Thayer between 11 and 11:15 p.m. 

If you would like to inquire about requests for financial assistance, if you prefer to pay by check rather than credit card, or if you have any other questions, please contact Upper School Dean of Students Kristan Gately P '28

Football Gear Distribution Is June 6; Alternative Date is June 10
Attention, football players: On Thursday, June 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Student Commons, Stadium Systems, the Academy's equipment provider, will be here to fit and distribute football equipment to all current Upper School students playing football next fall. Please make every effort to be there.

Any current 8th graders — as well as any Upper School student who could not make the fitting on June 6 — should attend the alternative distribution date of Monday, June 10, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. 

New players are welcome! Direct any questions to Coach Toussaint.

Homecoming 2024 Committee
Homecoming is TAPA’s largest event of the year, bringing together the entire Thayer community for a fun-filled day of spirit and socialization. There's something for everyone in the family. In addition to cheering on Thayer’s sports teams, there are games, a bake sale, a cornhole tournament, a petting zoo, food trucks, snacks and the ever-popular sale of exclusive Thayer merchandise. 

Have you ever thought about being a part of the planning of Homecoming? It takes the whole Thayer community to make this event a success, and it all starts with the planning committee. There's a blueprint for the entire event, but there's also an opportunity to put a new spin on things. Homecoming will take place Saturday, Sept. 28. 

TAPA is currently recruiting for the Homecoming 2024 Committee, including two chairs to lead the team. Positions include: 

  • Homecoming: Two lead chairs
  • Bake Sale: Two co-chairs
  • Cornhole: Two co-chairs
  • Games/Decor/Spirit Table: Two co-chairs 

Grab a friend and join the team! To learn more or to volunteer, contact TAPA President Kim Millian P ‘26.

Asian Student Association Offers Resources and Engagement
Thayer Academy's Asian Student Association (ASA) wishes everyone a happy AAPI (Asian American & Pacific Islander) Heritage Month and is proud to share a couple of resources with the Thayer community.

Enjoy the association's Spotify playlist and its new ASA Instagram handle: @thayeracademyasa. On Spotify, the playlist is student-curated. On Instagram, the ASA posts about Asian American figures, recommended foods and restaurants, and information on some of its ASA members. Have a listen, follow on social media, and enjoy! 

Thayer Summer Strength & Conditioning
Did you know Thayer Athletics is offering strength and conditioning for new and returning Thayer students from June 10 through Aug. 8?

Learn more and sign up. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Bennett in the Fish Center for Physical Fitness. Please note: Clinic offerings are dependent on registration numbers, so be sure to sign up by May 24.

May 29 Book Discussion on Toxicity of Achievement Culture
Thayer Academy Director of Counseling Mysha Kuhlmann invites Middle School and Upper School parents and guardians to participate in a book discussion featuring Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic — and What We Can Do About It. The discussion will take place Wednesday, May 29, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Southworth Library.

From the publisher: “In Never Enough, award-winning reporter Jennifer Breheny Wallace investigates the deep roots of toxic achievement culture, and finds out what we must do to fight back. Drawing on interviews with families, educators, and an original survey of nearly 6,000 parents, she exposes how the pressure to perform is not a matter of parental choice but baked into our larger society and spurred by increasing income inequality and dwindling opportunities. As a result, children are increasingly absorbing the message that they have no value outside of their accomplishments, a message that is reinforced by the media and greater culture at large.”

Discussion participants will collaboratively brainstorm strategies to help students feel that they matter, which leading child psychologists identify as what students need and what can provide them the skills and self-worth to manage the internal and external pressures they face. 

Please fill out the RSVP form if you are able to attend. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Kuhlmann

Hosting Opportunity for Thayer Families
Next year Thayer will resume its program of accepting a student from Vigo, Spain. This program started in 2009 and includes a Thayer student's trip to Spain during the summer, which Thayer did last year and will resume in the summer of 2025. Traveling and hosting both fulfill a requirement of the Global Scholars program as well. You do not have to speak or study Spanish to host!

Alicia will join the 11th grade next year and will spend time here from late August to late May. Organizers are looking for host families for her. You'd need a spare room in your house; there is a stipend for hosting.

If you're interested, please contact Upper School World Languages Teacher Marc Rando P '18, '20 or Director of Enrollment Management Jeff Dwyer P '31

Become a Host Family for an International Student
Thayer Academy and Cambridge Network invite families to embark on a rewarding journey by hosting a Thayer international student for the 2024-25 school year.  

Open your doors to new friendships, perspectives, and experiences while providing a nurturing foundation for an international student to thrive. Host families provide a private bedroom, three meals per day, and transportation to and from Thayer Academy each day. Students arrive about one week before the first day of school and stay with hosts throughout the school year. Opportunities for short-term hosting are also available. 

In return, host families receive a monthly stipend and around-the-clock homestay support. Know someone who would make an excellent host family? Cambridge Network offers a $500 referral bonus.
 
To learn more, visit Cambridge Network’s website or reach out to the host recruitment manager directly at Leanna.Glass@cambridgenetwork.com or 609.222.4362.

Summer Opportunities for Middle School and Upper School Students
Are you a Thayer student looking for a meaningful summer opportunity? The Pulsifer College Counseling Center shares this Summer Programs for Teens resource as a place to learn about over 4,000 summer opportunities.

Summer programs are a great way to stay engaged during the summer months, develop a passion, or try something new. Please check this resource periodically for new updates. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Shaw in the College Counseling Office.

DEIB Notebook

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
It's important to take a moment to understand the significance of celebrating AAPI Heritage Month. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made substantial contributions to American life, American culture, and the American workforce. Chinese immigrants helped to build the transcontinental railroad and established important communities in major cities. AAPI communities are one of the fastest growing populations in the United States and make up 7% of the entire US population. Yet members of the AAPI community are continually underrepresented in government, business, and the media.

Mental Health Awareness Month
The DEIB Office asks the Thayer community to raise awareness of — and reduce the stigma of — surrounding behavioral health issues. The hope is that individuals will take some to reflect upon how many people in our community are affected by mental illness and addiction issues. Did you know that it's estimated that over 50 million Americans struggle with their mental health? Did you know that one in five young people (ages 13-18) will develop a mental illness in their lifetime? Read more surprising information about mental health in our society.

Jewish American Heritage Month
Each May, Americans of all backgrounds and hundreds of organizations join together to discover, explore, and celebrate the vibrant and varied American Jewish experience from the dawn of the nation to the present day.

“For centuries, the perseverance, hope, and unshakeable faith of the Jewish people have inspired people around the world," reads a proclamation from The White House. "During Jewish American Heritage Month, we celebrate the immeasurable impact of Jewish values, contributions, and culture on our nation’s character and recommit to realizing the promise of America for all Jewish Americans."

Seaport x Black Owned Bos. Outdoor Market
Visit Black Owned Bos. on Seaport Common Sunday, May 19, from noon until 6 p.m. From gifts and apparel to packaged foods and beauty & skincare products, the Seaport x Black Owned Bos. Market will offer something for everyone as it raises awareness for and support of Black entrepreneurship.

Tigers of the Week
Congratulations to our newest Tigers of the Week. Keep up the good work! 



HLC Study Sessions (With Snack) Offered May 21 & May 23
Attention, Upper School students: Feeling overwhelmed by the challenge of exams? Need help prioritizing and planning your study time? Please stop by the Hale Learning Center Tuesday, May 21, from 3:20 to 4 p.m. and Thursday, May 23, from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Bring your questions and concerns and the HLC will provide the snack.

Grade 10 Picnic Is May 22
Tenth graders will celebrate the (almost!) end of school with a fun outdoor picnic and some lawn games Wednesday, May 22, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

TAPA will provide pizzas, drinks, and a visit from Nona’s ice cream truck. It’s sure to be a fun afternoon for our deserving sophomores. 

TAPA seeks some light help with setup, serving, and cleanup. A volunteer sign-up sheet is available. Thank you! 

Spring BIPOC Family College Workshop Is May 28
The Pulsifer College Counseling Center extends an invitation to BIPOC families to attend the Spring BIPOC Family College Workshop Tuesday, May 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Tiger's Den. 

The May 28 event promises to be an evening of valuable insights and community engagement. Here's what families can expect: 

Informative Updates: Gain valuable insights into college admissions and discover essential strategies for navigating the academic landscape at Thayer.

Interactive Discussion: Share your thoughts and ideas. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to engage in open dialogue about the college process and resources provided at Thayer. Your input will help shape college counselors' efforts to support your student's college journey effectively.

Presence and participation are highly encouraged. To assist organizers in making the necessary arrangements for dinner, kindly RSVP no later than Friday, May 24. This will ensure organizers can accommodate everyone comfortably, including dietary preferences.

If you have any questions or require further information, please reach out to College Counseling Co-Director Cicily Shaw.                                                                     

 

Middle School Dismissals
Below are Middle School dismissals for the week of May 20:

  • Monday, May 20: 2:45 p.m.
  • Tuesday, May 21: 2:45 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 22: 3:45 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 23: 2:45 p.m.
  • Friday, May 24: 2:45 p.m. 

Field Trip Reminders
The following field trips will take place in the coming weeks: 

Grade 5: Wednesday, May 29, at Fenway Park and Friday, May 31, at Starland

Grade 6: Thursday, May 23, for an *Optional* salt marsh field trip with 5 p.m. pickup at the Academy; and Friday, May 24, for a whale watch

Study Hall, Bus Info
After-school study hall and buses will run as normal through Tuesday, June 4 (last day of classes). 

Study hall is available until 4 p.m. in the Middle School and extends until 6 p.m. at the Upper School. 

Middle School Thank-You Notes Encouraged by May 28
TAPA and the Middle School are excited to bring back the Thayer tradition of showing appreciation to Middle School faculty and staff through the collection of handwritten notes from students.

Notes can be written to teachers, coaches, music directors, nurses, etc. — whoever the student (and parent/guardian, too) feels has made a difference in that student's life this year.

Please encourage your student to write a thank-you note. These simple gifts are so very appreciated. After writing the note, please place each one in an individual envelope with the recipient's name written on the front. The notes should be dropped off at the Middle School office no later than Tuesday, May 28, as this will give volunteers enough time to sort them and package them for delivery prior to the end of school.

A list of all Middle School faculty and staff is available. 

Tech and Our Children: What Are You Seeing? 
Do you wonder about your student and technology? From video games to social media, there's a lot to consider in regard to technology use, and there aren’t any easy or obvious answers. In recent years and weeks, there have been many books and articles written about our digital and technologically advanced world and the impact on our children. Two recent ones are: Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness and Devorah Heitner’s Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World. These books suggest that the use of technology is causing an increase in mental illness, rewiring children’s brains, and thrusting young people into misunderstood public lives. 

As we think about our work ahead, the Middle School is eager to partner with you, parents and guardians, to support students in navigating this new world. To that end, the Middle School would like to invite parents and guardians of Middle School students to join open listening sessions to better understand what parents and guardians are seeing and experiencing and to think together about pathways forward related to technology.  Organizers are particularly interested in hearing how cellphones and computers, especially gaming, are impacting students and families. What have you noticed? What have you learned about children and technology?  

These conversations will be hosted by Middle School Director Galen Hamann P '31 and Assistant Head of School for Student Engagement and Well-being Jed Wartman P '30. Organizers hope you'll be able to participate. If you're not able to make these times but would like to connect, please don't hesitate to reach directly.

The remaining conversation will take place on the following date: 

  • Monday, May 20, from 6:15 to 7 p.m. via Zoom. 

Please RSVP for this event.   

Important Info for Showstoppers Cast
The Middle School will hold its evening performance of Showstoppers May 21 and its school performance May 22. Cast members should make use of an Important Dates List as well as a Costume Details List

TAPA Parent/Guardian Spring Social Is May 23
Please join TAPA Thursday, May 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. for a fun, casual evening in the Hooley Courtyard (in front of Cahall Campus Center) to get to know fellow Thayer parents and guardians and raise money for TAPA’s activities throughout the year.

The evening will include food and beverage trucks, raffles, and the opportunity to purchase exclusive Thayer merchandise.

The May 23 social will feature music by Dirty Water Boulevard. If you haven’t seen them at the C Note along Hull's Nantasket Beach, now is your chance to rock to the sounds of some of Thayer’s talented musicians. 

Tickets are $30 each and still available for purchase. If you have any questions about the social or wish to contribute a raffle item, contact TAPA President Kim Millian P ’26 or Director of Special Events and Parent Programming Renee Forsythe.

New this year:  Reserve a high-top table for you and your friends! The $500 purchase includes four tickets to the event, four drink tickets, and sponsor recognition for the table. Only two tables are left! 

Spring Social Committee Seeks Volunteers
This year's event chairs are looking for extra hands to help prior to the May 23 event as well as during the event. Please consider using the sign-up sheet to sign up for a shift.

Christian Affinity Group Meets June 5
The Christian Affinity Group welcomes any parent or guardian who identifies as Christian. For any questions about this affinity group, please contact Vanessa Hsu P '26, the group's facilitator. 

The group will hold its next meeting Wednesday, June 5, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Bakker Reading Room of Southworth Library.

Here to Help
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at tapa@thayer.org. 

Executive Board 2023-24

President
Kim Millian P '26

Vice President
Kaitlyn Aiello P '26, '28

Treasurer
Margit Foley P '25

Secretary
Jerusha Shatzkamer P ‘26, ‘26

Volunteer Coordinators
Dasan Harrington P '27
Laura Query P '29

DEIB Co-Coordinators
Sharisse Cail Perry P '24, '24
Faith Patterson P '26

Middle School Co-Presidents
Heidi Barry P '26, '28
Colleen Hernandez '90, P '26, '28

Middle School Vice President
Yemi Talabi-Oates P '26, '29

Middle School Secretary
Laura Winters P '30

Parent Athletics Council (PAC) Coordinator
Danielle Shahied P '26, '27

Middle School DEIB Coordinator
Ophelia Ardayfio P ‘27, ‘30
 

Upper School Math Teacher Dan Forrest P ‘31 and his daughter Cordelia ‘31 are reading The Once and Future King by T.H. White together.

Audio Visual Director and Upper School Arts Teacher Diane Haigh is reading A Philosophy of Walking by Frédéric Gros. 


For a complete listing of current events, visit thayer.org/calendar.

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Questions about TNN? Suggestions? Please email TNN@thayer.org.