TNN • Tiger News Network • 19 May 2023

 

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The varsity softball team will host Governor's Academy tomorrow (Saturday, May 20) at 1 p.m. on the softball field. Go, Tigers! 

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

Memorial Chapel Is May 26; Assembly Dress Required
Thayer's annual Memorial Chapel will be held Friday, May 26, on the main lawn of the Upper School. This is an all-school tradition (i.e., involving both Upper School and Middle School divisions) held on the Friday before Memorial Day. The names of the 33 alumni who lost their lives in service to their country are read to the community so that we will never forget the sacrifice of students who came before us.

Students should be in Assembly Dress for this solemn occasion.

No School May 29
There will be no school Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day. Administrative offices will be closed. 

TAPA Spring Social Is May 24
Come mingle with your fellow parents and guardians at the second annual TAPA Spring Social, which will also include the newest members of the Thayer community. This event will take place Wednesday, May 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Hooley Courtyard on Main Campus. There will be food and beverage trucks available for you to purchase some tasty food. There will also be Thayer swag, a raffle, a wine pull, and entertainment. TAPA hopes this event will become a fun time with fellow parents and guardians to celebrate the latest school year, truly catch up with one another, make new friends in the Thayer community, and raise funds for the TAPA-supported activities that take place throughout the year. 

TAPA organizers also hope you will consider contributing to the raffle if you have any items that would be of interest — gift cards to spas/restaurants, sporting tickets, gaming systems, unique experiences, etc. A donations page has already been set up for interested donors.

Tickets are on sale now. If you have any questions about the social or wish to contribute a raffle item, contact TAPA President Martha McNally P ’22, ’24, ’27 or Director of Special Events and Parent Programming Renee Forsythe.

Thayer To Offer Summer Sports Clinics
Thayer Academy and its Athletics Department announce a series of sports clinics to be held on campus this summer. The sport-specific clinics will be coached by Thayer’s head coaches and offered at both fundamental and advanced levels. The clinics, which are available to all students entering grades 5-12 in 2023, will be offered in weekly sessions at a cost of $125 per week. Sessions will run Monday through Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. 

Thayer will offer fundamental-level and advanced-level clinics in the following sports: 

  • Boys Basketball — offered in seven weekly sessions from 6/19 until 8/10
  • Girls Basketball — offered in two weekly sessions: 7/17 to 7/20 & 7/24 to 7/27
  • Field Hockey — offered in two weekly sessions: 6/19 to 6/22 & 6/26 to 6/29
  • Football — offered in two weekly sessions: 6/26 to 6/29 & 8/7 to 8/10
  • Boys Lacrosse — offered in two weekly sessions: 7/10 to 7/13 & 7/24 to 7/27 
  • Soccer — offered in two weekly sessions: 6/26 to 6/29 & 8/7 to 8/10 
  • Volleyball — offered in two weekly sessions: 6/19 to 6/22 & 7/31 to 8/3
  • PLUS: Seven weeks of strength & conditioning 

A sign-up link is available. Please note: space is limited, and camp offerings may be dependent on registration numbers.

Summer Reading Info
Information regarding summer reading requirements for both the Middle School and Upper School is available on Thayer's website. Please note: the summer reading requirements for World Languages are available there as well. 

Last Hurrah!, Declamation Photos Added
Photos from the Last Hurrah! event for seniors and the recent Declamation Celebration at the Middle School have been added to the photos section of the student and parent/guardian portals. Don't forget that "thayer" is all lowercase when typing in the password.

Summer Opportunities for Middle and Upper School Students
Are you a Thayer student looking for a meaningful summer opportunity? The Pulsifer College Counseling Center has developed a database of summer programs for students in both the Middle School and Upper School. This database will be updated as new information about summer program opportunities is received.

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

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


 

Prom Info for Juniors and Seniors
Attention, Juniors and Seniors: The Prom will take place Wednesday, June 7, from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at Gillette Stadium. Pre-Prom photos begin at 6 p.m. on the Teardrop. All are encouraged to gather for pictures. As in years past, it is mandatory that students and their dates take bus transportation to and from Gillette. This transportation is sponsored by TAPA and is complimentary. Bus service back to Thayer will begin at 10:45 p.m. (Buses will all leave at the same time, so no need to get in line early). 

Tickets will be available by credit card online or by cash or check, payable to Thayer Academy, at Mr. Murphy's desk in the Student Commons. Tickets are $110 per person. You may bring an outside guest, but if you do, please see Mr. Murphy for a guest form. Tickets sales will close Friday, May 26. 

If you have any questions or need assistance covering the cost of the ticket, please do not hesitate to let Ms. Wheeler, Ms. Gately, or your advisor know.

Sports Recognition Assembly
The Upper School's Spring Sports Recognition Assembly will be held Monday, May 22. 

Info on Senior Return of Laptops
Chief Information Officer Theresa Jay recently emailed students in the Class 2023 about returning their laptops, chargers, and cases when their classes ended May 5. Seniors can, however, apply for an extension until Friday, June 9. Her email contains links to a laptop extension form as well as a video demonstrating how to upload files to Google. Please note that on page 29 of the Student Handbook, it states:

The email accounts and data of graduating 12th graders will be deleted the week after graduation.

This year, the deletion of accounts is scheduled for Friday, June 16.

Graduating students must return laptops, chargers, and cases to Thayer Academy before graduation. Failure to do so will lock the laptop, and that account will be billed. There is no buy-out program. 

College Essay Writing Workshops for Class of 2024
Attention, juniors and their families: Thanks to a partnership between the Pulsifer College Counseling Center and Thayer's English department, college essay writing workshops will be available to rising seniors in the months of June and July. Please click here for dates, details, and registration information.   

Dates of Note
As the school year comes to a close, please remember: 

  • Wednesday, May 24, is the last day of the regular season for Upper School sports teams. 
  • The Upper School's second semester ends Friday, May 26. 
  • Senior Projects end Friday, June 2. 

(Rising) Grade 9 Welcome Picnic Is May 22
The 9th Grade Welcome Picnic for members of the Class of 2027 and their parents/guardians will be held Monday, May 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Upper School. Welcome events will begin in the CFA. On that evening current Middle School eighth graders will join rising ninth graders who will be new to school next year as well as Upper School peer leaders for a casual, picnic-style dinner. RSVP here.    

Recognition Day Rehearsal Is June 7
In preparation for Recognition Day, 8th graders and singers will attend a rehearsal Wednesday, June 7, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on the Main Campus front lawn.

This will also be the final opportunity to return laptops at the CFA. 

Recognition Day Is June 8
Recognition Day, the culminating event of the Middle School's academic year, will take place Thursday, June 8, at 10 a.m. outdoors on the Main Campus front lawn. All students are to be in attendance. 

Students should arrive by 9 a.m. Eighth graders should wear a suit, white shirt, and tie; a dark blazer with dress pants, white shirt, and tie; or a white dress. All other students should wear Assembly Dress. Students should be able to sit and to walk distances and stairs comfortably in their attire and shoes.

Each 8th grader will be given a flower or boutonniere upon arrival.

Middle School Dismissal Reminders and Study Hall Info
Middle School families should make note of the following dismissal times:

Today (Friday, May 19): 2:35 p.m. dismissal; study hall until 6 p.m.
Monday, May 22: 2:35 p.m. dismissal; study hall until 6 p.m. 
Tuesday, May 23: 2:35 p.m. dismissal; study hall until 6 p.m.
Wednesday, May 24: (School Assembly) 3:45 p.m. dismissal; study hall until 6 p.m.
Thursday, May 25: 11:30 a.m. dismissal; study hall until 6 p.m.
Friday, May 26: 11:30 a.m. dismissal; study hall until 6 p.m.
Monday, May 29: (Memorial Day) No School
Tuesday, May 30: 11:30 a.m. dismissal; study hall until 6 p.m.
Wednesday, May 31: 11:30 a.m. dismissal; study hall until 6 p.m.
Thursday, June 1: (7th Grade Special Science Schedule) 11:30 a.m. dismissal; study hall until 6 p.m. 
Friday, June 2: (Tiger Games) 1:30 p.m. dismissal; study hall until 6 p.m.
Please note:

  • Students are permitted to wear athletic attire or academic dress for the remainder of the year.
  • On Friday, May 26, Assembly Dress is required for the all-school Memorial Chapel.
  • Buses will run as normal with 4 p.m. pickup during this time.

End of Term
The Middle School's third term will end Friday, June 2. 

Honor Roll Certificates Info
If Middle School parents and guardians would like their students to receive an honor roll certificate for the third trimester, please email Ms. Tenney in the Middle School Office. 

These certificates will be mailed home as the school year will have concluded.

Middle School Dance
The Middle School will hold its spring dance tonight (Friday, May 19) from 7 to 9 p.m. The dance will be held outdoors. 

Showstoppers Info; Volunteers Sought
The Middle School’s Showstoppers performances are coming up later this month. Planning has begun, and there are plenty of opportunities for parent/guardian volunteers to become involved. 

Snacks and drinks can be donated for the kids to enjoy during rehearsals. Additionally, there is a need for in-person assistance for dress rehearsals and performances. 

The remaining dates and times when assistance is needed are: 

  • Sunday, May 21: 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
  • Monday, May 22: 1:50-3:45 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, May 23: 1:50-7 p.m. (Evening performance starts at 7 p.m. and is over by 8 p.m.)
  • Wednesday, May 24: 1:30-3:30 p.m. (approximate school performance time)

If you're able to help with any of these volunteer opportunities, please email Jennifer Cedrone P ‘22 ’27, one of the Middle School Hospitality Chairs.

Costume List for Showstoppers
A detailed costume list has been created for the upcoming performances of Showstoppers at the Middle School. 

Next Year's TAPA Board
Congratulations to the TAPA Executive Board for the 2023-24 school year. Board members are: 

Caroline Kuhlman P ’25, ‘28 — President
Kim Millian P ‘26 — Vice President
Kaitlyn Aiello P ’26, ‘28 — Secretary
Margit Foley P ‘25 — Treasurer
Heidi Barry P ’26, ‘28 — Middle School Co-President
Colleen Hernandez ‘90 P ’26, ‘28 — Middle School Co-President
Yemi Talabi-Oates P ‘26, ‘29 — Middle School Vice President
Sharisse Cail Perry P ’24, ‘24 — Co-DEIB Coordinator
Faith Patterson P ‘26 — Co-DEIB Coordinator
Dasan Harrington P ’27 — Volunteer Coordinator
Danielle Shahied P ‘26, ‘27 — Parent Athletic Council Representative
Laura Query P ‘29 — Volunteer Coordinator
Laura Winters P ‘30 — Middle School Secretary

Middle School Thank-You Notes Encouraged by May 26
TAPA and the Middle School are excited to bring back the Thayer tradition of showing appreciation to the Middle School faculty/staff through the collection of handwritten notes from the 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 child 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 Friday, May 26, as this will give volunteers enough time to sort them and package them for delivery prior to the end of school.

For a list of Middle School faculty and staff, please click here. 

New Women’s Affinity Group
TAPA would like to invite women of the Thayer community to the Thayer Academy Women's Affinity Group on Tuesday, May 30, at 6:30 p.m. in Southworth Library. 

TAPA recognizes that self-care is necessary for community care and seeks to create a space for women in the Thayer community to gather for self-inquiry and mutual support. 

If you have any questions, please contact Laurie McTeague P '24 or Brynn Wartman P '30.

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

Martha McNally P ’22, ‘24, ‘27: President
Caroline Kuhlman P ’25, ‘28: Vice President
Lee Sentnor P ’21, ‘24, ‘26: Treasurer
Kaityln Aiello P ’26, ‘28: Secretary
Heidi Barry P ’26, ‘28: MS President
Colleen Hernandez ‘90 P ’26, ‘28: MS Vice President
JoAnn Brown P ’27: MS Secretary
Sharisse Cail Perry P ’24, ‘24: DEIB Coordinator
Kim Millian P ‘26: Volunteer Coordinator
Dasan Harrington P ’27: Volunteer Coordinator
Nicole Arnold P ’24, ‘25: Parent Athletic Coordinator (PAC)
Yemi Talabi-Oates P ‘26, ‘29: MS DEIB Coordinator
 

Don't forget to follow us on social! You don't need to download any apps to see pictures and videos of what's happening all over campus every day. Simply click on the icons below to access Thayer's official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click the title of the book to read a review or learn more. 

The Middle School Hale Learning Center’s Maryann Shafter P ‘15 is reading Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, and Mark A. McDaniel, and she just finished listening to What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce D. Perry. 

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

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