Dear Thayer parents and guardians,
The tent will be raised, our student-athletes will be ready, and there will be fun and games for all! Please join us next Friday, Sept. 27, and Saturday, Sept. 28 as we celebrate Thayer Academy's Homecoming.
This spirited tradition is sure to be enjoyed by all members of the Thayer community. Along with cheering on our Upper School sports teams, there will be activities for ALL Thayer Academy families.
The excitement begins Friday, Sept. 27, with the varsity field hockey team playing Dexter Southfield at 4:30 p.m. on Kendall Field. The JV field hockey team faces off against Austin Prep at 5 p.m. on Main 2.
Saturday, Sept. 28, will be a full day of fun. In the morning, boys and girls cross country teams host teams from the ISL on the Harold B. Hatch Cross Country Course at Thayer.
From noon to 5 p.m., TAPA will once again offer exclusive Thayer merchandise for purchase under the Big Tent; complimentary concessions will be provided by Thayer's food services team; several food trucks will join us with food available for purchase; and delicious confections will be on sale at TAPA's bake sale. Kids of all ages will enjoy carnival games, a spirit table with Thayer swag, Animal Craze petting zoo, and … back by popular demand … the Thayer Cornhole Tournament!
Visit thayer.org/homecoming for game times, parking info, and the homecoming program on the day of the event.
Volunteers are still needed to make all of this happen, so please sign up for a slot to help out.
Let's show our Thayer spirit and support our student-athletes by packing the fields. Don your Thayer gear, accessorize with black and orange, and join together to celebrate the Thayer Academy community!
Your Homecoming Co-Chairs,
Megan Butow P ’29 and Colleen Hernandez ‘90 P ’26, ‘28
To access a specific section in the TNN, click below:
- All School Announcements
- Upper School Announcements
- Middle School Announcements
- TAPA News
- What Thayer is Reading
The Middle School boys A soccer team will host Derby Academy Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 3:15 p.m. on the turf field of South Athletic Campus. Go, Tigers!
See all upcoming games, matches, and meets for Thayer teams in the Athletics section.
No School Oct. 3
There will be no school Thursday, Oct. 3, in observance of the Rosh Hashanah holiday. Administrative offices will be closed.
Thayer Global Speaker Series Continues Oct. 10 & Dec. 5
The Thayer Global Speaker Series kicks off the new school year with two dynamic guest speakers paying a visit to Thayer's campus.
“An Evening with BD Wong” will take place Thursday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. in the CFA’s Hale Theater. A celebrated actor, director, and activist, Wong will share stories and insights about his career, the entertainment industry, and his work to support Asian and LGBTQIA+ communities.
“An Evening with Dr. Lisa Damour” will take place Thursday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. in the CFA’s Hale Theater. A psychologist and the best-selling author of The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, Dr. Damour will discuss the opportunities and challenges of parenting and supporting adolescents given the realities of teenage lives and the unique times in which we live.
RSVP to one or both events by visiting thayer.org/globalspeakerseries.
Temporary Thayer Bus Passes Available, Weekdays, Sept. 9 - 27
For those affected by the MBTA's upcoming Red Line closure (Sept. 9 - 29), Thayer is pleased to offer prorated bus service on the Academy's regular bus routes. The three-week bus pass is $267 per student for one-way (morning or afternoon) travel, and $350 per student for round-trip travel. Register here for temporary bus service.
Exhibit Opens Sept. 27 in Koskores Gallery
“One Percent Inspiration,” an exhibit of the work of Joe McKendry and others, will open Friday, Sept. 27, in Koskores Gallery and run until Oct. 25.
McKendry is a painter, illustrator, and faculty member at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) whose work has appeared in over 100 publications worldwide, including National Geographic, Time magazine, The New York Times, The London Times, and Vanity Fair.
It is often said that art is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration. This exhibit, featuring McKendry's work and pieces from select students at RISD, invites the audience to look at not just the final result but the preparation, studies, and struggles that usually go unseen.
‘Saturday Night Lights’ is Oct. 5
The night of Saturday, Oct. 5, promises to be a great evening for Tiger Pride as both the boys and girls varsity soccer teams will play home games under the lights.
Be sure to arrive early as the festivities — including free t-shirts for the first 100 spectators, free spirit gear, free cotton candy, and food trucks with sweet and savory fare for purchase — begin at 5 p.m. The boys team will host Tabor Academy at 5:30 p.m.; the girls squad will host Tabor at 7:30 p.m. Both games will take place on Kendall Field on Main Campus (More details below in the TAPA section).
Private Music Lesson Sign-up
Sign-ups for the 2024-25 private music lesson program are in progress. If you're interested in starting or continuing the study of an instrument, please visit thayer.org/privatelessons and fill out the lesson sign-up form.
Lessons are available in voice, piano, guitar, bass, strings, wind instruments, and drums. Weekly lessons meet during an Upper School student’s free period / study hall and a Middle School student's extra help period, art elective, or study hall. Lessons may be available before school, after school, or through Zoom depending on the individual lesson teacher’s schedule.
Lessons begin Monday, Sept. 30. Please note: some private lesson teachers are available to start lessons prior to Sept. 30. In that case, the teacher will contact the student individually to set up an earlier lesson start date.
If you have questions about the program, please visit thayer.org/privatelessons for pricing and lesson policies. For other questions, please contact Private Music Lesson Coordinator Steve Skop P '23.
Upper School Back-to-School Night Is Sept. 26
A reminder: The Upper School will hold its Back-to-School Night Thursday, Sept. 26; the event will start at 6:30 p.m. The Back-to-School Night schedule will be available in MySchoolApp in the "Files and Forms" area by the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 24.
Upper School Hale Learning Center Open House Is Sept. 26
The Upper School Hale Learning Center will hold an open house Thursday, Sept. 26, from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. in its Glover Building location.
For more information, contact HLC Director Erica Dunne P '27.
Benelli Writing Center Is Open
The Benelli Writing Center is open and ready to help with Upper School student writing assignments in any subject and at any stage of the writing process.
Students can schedule an appointment online by going to the "Benelli Writing Center Appointment Request" box on the Resources page in MySchoolApp. The BWC is located in Stacy B. Southworth Library. Appointments are available during the school day, during Tuesday 8 a.m. flex block, and after school Mondays and Wednesdays. If you have any questions, please contact BWC Director Karen Jersild.
Show Your Pride With Senior Yearbook Ads
Attention, parents and guardians of the Class of 2025: The 2025 Black and Orange yearbook offers an opportunity for parents and guardians to purchase an ad to honor/congratulate the graduating senior in their life.
The purchasing process takes place online.
College Visits
The Pulsifer College Counseling Center reminds seniors and the families of seniors that college visits to Thayer's campus are underway. Please note: Sign-up is through Scoir, and visits take place during the school day. Seniors should remember to get permission — at least 24 hours in advance — from any teacher whose class will be affected by the college visit.
Next week's visits:
Monday, Sept. 23
8 to 9:05 a.m.: University of Maine
9:10 to 10:15 a.m.: Trinity College
12:05 to 1:10 p.m.: St. John's University
1:15 to 2:20 p.m.: Kenyon College
2:25 to 3:30 p.m.: Endicott College
Tuesday, Sept. 24
9 to 10:05 a.m.: College of the Holy Cross
12:05 to 1:10 p.m.: Stonehill College
2:25 to 3:30 p.m.: Boston University
Wednesday, Sept. 25
8 to 9:05 a.m.: Lafayette College
9:10 to 10:15 a.m.: Lynn University
10:45 to 11:50 a.m.: United States Air Force Academy — open to all interested students
12:25 to 1:30 p.m.: Elon University
Thursday, Sept. 26
9 to 10:05 a.m.: University of Connecticut
10:25 to 11:30 a.m.: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
12:05 to 1:10 p.m.: Coastal Carolina University
1:15 to 2:20 p.m.: Assumption University
2:25 to 3:30 p.m.: American University
Friday, Sept. 27
8 to 9:05 a.m.: Oberlin College
9:10 to 10:15 a.m.: Hampden-Sydney College
11:55 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Stevens Institute of Technology
1:05 to 2:10 p.m.: High Point University
2:15 to 3:20 p.m.: Clarkson University
2:15 to 3:20 p.m.: Johns Hopkins University
Seniors can see all pending visits in Scoir. A calendar of upcoming college visits is also available. And remember: colleges want to meet you!
Middle School Cell Phone Survey
A reminder to all Middle School parents/guardians: Please fill out the cell phone survey if you have not already done so. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Middle School Dean of Students John Reid.
Middle School Permission Form Reminder
A reminder for all Middle School parents and guardians: Please complete the arrival/departure/after-school privileges form if you have not already done so. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Teresa Tenney in the Middle School office.
Yearbook Ads for Grade 8 Families
Attention, families of 8th grade students: Don't miss out on placing an ad in Evergreen, the Middle School yearbook. Learn more about how to make, place, and pay for your ad. The deadline for all ads and payments is Friday, Nov. 1.
Please help to make this year's Evergreen yearbook one to remember. This is always a favorite section of the yearbook for our departing 8th graders. Any questions or concerns? Please feel free to contact the yearbook's advisor, Middle School Science Faculty Natalie Young.
Middle School Bring 'N' Share Is Oct. 1
Join us for an evening of cuisine, culture, and connection at this year's Middle School Bring 'N' Share Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Middle School Dining Hall and Forum.
Families are encouraged to bring a dish to share that represents their family's background or heritage. RSVP and sign up to bring a dish by Tuesday, Sept. 24. The whole family is welcome!
For more information, please contact DEIB Director Matt Ghiden.
Class Parents/Guardians
TAPA has filled the role of class parent/guardian for all grades. Thank you to all who volunteered! Below is a list of class parents/guardians and their contact information.
Class of 2025: Kathy Egasti & Laura Redmond
Class of 2026: Mary Chenaur & Phyllis Skloff
Class of 2027: Melissa Crowe Cuccinelli & Ronit Velde
Class of 2028: Kathy Calvillo & Katie Gellenbeck
Class of 2029: Linnea Holmes & Christina Wainwright
Class of 2030: Sandi Petrie & Sue Saliba
Class of 2031: Amanda Smallwood
Class of 2032: Matt Dunne
And keep an eye out for details regarding grade-specific socials from your class parents/guardians or check the TNN for "Save-the-Date" info. Social dates are:
Class of 2025: TBD
Class of 2026: Thursday, Nov. 14, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Davio’s in Braintree
Class of 2027: Save the Date: Friday Nov. 8; Details to follow
Class of 2028: Save the Date: Tuesday, Oct. 8; Details to follow
Class of 2029: TBD
Class of 2030: TBD
Class of 2031: TBD
Class of 2032: TBD
Thayer Saturday Night Lights!
TAPA's Parent Athletics Council (PAC) and the Athletics Department are excited to host a fall spirit event for the entire Thayer community.
On Saturday, Oct. 5, Thayer's going back under the lights! The fun will kick off with some afternoon games, rolling straight into the evening's marquee match-ups as the boys and girls varsity soccer teams face off against Tabor Academy. Food trucks will provide food for purchase, and there will be giveaways throughout the night. Wear your orange and black, and don’t miss this fun-filled Tiger Spirit event!
Game Schedule for Saturday, Oct. 5
2:30 p.m. - Varsity Field Hockey, Boys JV Soccer, JV Volleyball
4:00 p.m. - Varsity Volleyball, JV Field Hockey
4:30 p.m. - Girls JV Soccer
5:30 p.m. - Boys Varsity Soccer (under the lights)
7:30 p.m. - Girls Varsity Soccer (under the lights)
SEED Sessions Offered; First Meeting Is Sept. 24
TAPA is excited to once again offer SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) sessions this year.
SEED creates conversational communities that drive personal, organizational, and societal change toward greater equity, diversity, and social justice. Led by Director of DEIB Matt Ghiden, TAPA invites parents and guardians to join us each month. SEED seeks to create a cohesive cohort, so we do ask that you commit to attend all or most of the sessions. An info sheet with additional information, including meeting dates (all meetings fall on Tuesdays; the first meeting is Sept. 24) is available. A sign-up sheet is also available for those who would like to join the conversation.
Welcome Back to Campus; Invitation to Volunteer
The Thayer Academy Parent Association (TAPA) welcomes all new and returning families to the 2024-25 school year. All parents and guardians at Thayer are automatically members of this wonderful group. TAPA’s goal is to support the school as best it can through sponsoring various social events and programs, thereby enhancing the school experience for all.
With this in mind, TAPA is already planning and preparing a variety of great events. A list of volunteer opportunities throughout the year is available for review.
Thanks for a Great Coffee; Middle School Coffee Is Sept. 25
A special thanks to all who attended the TAPA Coffee with Upper School administrators this past Wednesday. It was great to hear from Assistant Head of School for Student Engagement & Well-being Jed Wartman P ‘30, '32; Assistant Head of School for Academics Peter Brooks P '32; Dean of Students Kristan Gately P ’28; Dean of Faculty Maureen Sullivan Keleher P ‘24, ‘26, ‘28, ‘29; and Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Matt Ghiden.
Mark your calendars for the next TAPA Coffee: Wednesday, Sept 25, at 8:15 a.m. in the Middle School Forum with Middle School Director Galen Hamann P '31. Come meet fellow parents and guardians, ask questions, and learn about some of what will happen this year at Thayer.
Varsity Letter Jackets Available
Everything old is new again, and that includes the return of the varsity jacket. Jostens will be available at Homecoming with sample jackets to help with sizing, questions and ordering. Jostens is the premier vendor for letter jackets and sells more than 150,000 nationwide annually.
The jackets are custom-made for any Thayer varsity athlete and can be ordered online directly through Jostens anytime during the year. There are several jackets to choose from, starting at $161.50.
Please stop by the Jostens table at Homecoming to see the jackets and go to their web page to learn more.
If you have any questions, please contact: Mary Chenaur P ’24, ‘26; or Jostens representative Kate Toman. Toman can also be reached at 508.248.9095.
Here to Help
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at tapa@thayer.org.
EXECUTIVE BOARD 2024-25
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
Laura Query P '29, ‘31
Amanda Smallwood P '29, ‘31
DEIB Co-Coordinators
Dasan Harrington P '27
Faith Patterson P '26
Middle School President
Kate Herbst ‘98, P '31
Middle School Vice President
Jen McGuirl P '26, '29, ‘30
Middle School Secretary
Sara Torok P '30
Middle School DEIB Coordinator
Ophelia Ardayfio P '27, ‘30
Parent Athletics Council (PAC) Coordinator
Danielle Shahied P '26
Upper School English Faculty Denise King P ‘08, ‘10 is reading Walking with Sam by Andrew McCarthy.
For a complete listing of current events, visit thayer.org/calendar.
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Questions about TNN? Suggestions? Please email TNN@thayer.org.