TNN • Tiger News Network • 24 February 2023

 

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Best of luck tonight (Friday, Feb. 24) to our girls and boys varsity hockey teams in the Valicenti Cup at Thayer Sports Center. The girls host BB&N at 5 p.m. while the boys host St. Sebastian's at 7 p.m. Go, Tigers!

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

'Into the Woods'
Into the Woods, the Upper School's winter musical, will be held tonight (Friday, Feb. 24) and Saturday, Feb. 25, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the CFA's Hale Theater. 

Dance Company Concert Is March 8
The Thayer Academy Dance Company concert is Wednesday, March 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the CFA's Hale Theater, and the Thayer community is invited! The dance company is very excited to have the Middle School dancers opening the event this year.

The majority of the night's choreography has been produced by students in a variety of styles. The concert also includes an alumni spotlight piece choreographed by Demi Kroumpouzos '21 as well as guest choreography by Ms. Corbin.  

Student-generated artwork for the studio will also be unveiled that night. All are welcome to attend!

American Red Cross Babysitter Training Program
An American Red Cross Babysitter Training Program will be held Thursday, March 23, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Thayer Middle School. The program is for students ages 11-16 interested in preparing to babysit and learning pediatric First Aid and CPR and/or learning how to keep themselves safe when home alone. Cost is $65 per student, and registration is required. Stay tuned for more information regarding sign-up.

A course description is as follows: 
The American Red Cross Babysitters Training Program is the perfect opportunity for students ages 11-16 to gain formal training in child care and emergency preparedness before starting on their babysitting journey. Students will learn all the hands-on knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly give care for children and infants, from resolving sibling conflict to life-saving techniques. Topics covered in this course include feeding, bottling, changing, diapering, being safe and responsible on the job, responding to choking, managing behavior, pediatric First Aid & CPR, and more. 

Students will finish the course with a certificate from both Boston First Aid and the American Red Cross, certifying them in Babysitter's Training. Boston First Aid guarantees only the highest quality training in all of Massachusetts, with our licensed preschool and K-12 educators training students, providing expert advice on child care and safety. There is a 30-minute break for lunch at noon, so please bring a lunch! 

March 3 Athletics Coffee Features Bobbi Moran, Linda Flanagan
Have you ever wondered why youth or club sports have taken over your life? Join Athletic Director Bobbi Moran and Linda Flanagan, author of Take Back the Game, on Friday, March 3, from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. in the CFA Lobby for an in-depth conversation on how money and mania have ruined kids sports and why it matters. 

RSVP is required. 

Faculty/Staff Art Exhibit
Thayer's first All Faculty/Staff Art Exhibition since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic is currently on display. Come to the Karen and Ted Koskores Gallery to view Emergence; Has the Last Three Years Changed Me? This is a multimedia presentation of a variety of work by Thayer faculty and staff. There will be a closing reception open to the entire Thayer community Thursday, March 9, from 3:30 to 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Gallery Director Steven Branfman P '00, '02 at sbranfman@thayer.org or 617.447.3500.

Thayer Academy Film Festival Is May 5
The inaugural Thayer Academy Film Festival (TAFF) will take place Friday, May 5, at 7 p.m. in the CFA's Hale Theater. 

The festival will show a select group of short films created by community members. Submissions are open to students (both Upper School and Middle School), faculty, staff, and parents/guardians. Organizers encourage everyone to attend the event and support our filmmakers.

Submissions are due Friday, April 14. Please visit the TAFF website for more information about submissions. 

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.  

Upcoming Athletic Spirit Nights
Save the dates for these upcoming athletic spirit nights! Wear your black & orange and come out to support our student-athletes!

As always, there will be free food and beverages for all in attendance. The remaining date is: 

  • Tonight (Friday, Feb. 24) at 5 p.m.: Valicenti Cup — girls varsity hockey vs. BB&N followed by boys varsity hockey vs. St. Sebastian's (est. 7 p.m. start time) (Thayer Sports Center) 

Driving Lessons During Spring Recess
For those families with students approaching driving age, there is a driver's education opportunity provided by Driver's Edge Academy during Spring Recess. More information, including schedule and pricing, is available to those interested. 

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


 

Women in Tech Roundtable
The DEIB Office shares an opportunity to engage in an empowering Women in Tech roundtable with senior women thought leaders at “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality,” which will take place Thursday, March 9, at 11 a.m. Join the discussion as these leaders share perspectives on this United Nations-guided theme to help global professionals embrace equity. Visit their website for more information and to register.

College Counseling Meetings for Sophomores
Attention, parents and guardians of sophomores: each sophomore has been scheduled to meet individually with a college counselor over the next month, starting the week of Feb. 27. Sophomores will also participate in a career exploration activity after Spring Recess. Keep an eye out for an email with more information.

Senior Photos Sought
Seniors have been asked to hunt through photographs to find a photo of their choice that best reflects them. This photo may be included in the senior class video that closes the Last Hurrah! dinner.

Here are some details about the photos:

  • The photo will be juxtaposed with the senior portrait of the student that also appears in the yearbook. Therefore, the photo of the student alone (or focusing mainly on the student) should suggest the passage of time or that student's authentic personality.
  • Ms. Brown and Mr. Ranaghan reserve the right to refuse a photo and to ask a student to submit a different one.
  • Students or parents/guardians may send Ms. Brown a digital copy of the photo at hbrown@thayer.org or bring her a photo print to scan. Please use .jpg format rather than .png, and choose approximately 1280 x 720 pixels resolution. If it's a copy to scan, please put it in an envelope with the student's name on it so that Ms. Brown can get the original back to them.

Upper School Sports End Feb. 25
Saturday, Feb. 25, is the last day of the regular season for Upper School winter sports programs. 

New Middle School Snack Policy
Recently, after conversation with class reps, the Middle School began re-offering chips and Goldfish crackers along with healthy snack options. Recognizing that food is an important part of a student's day and that these snacks may not appeal to all students, the Middle School has changed its food policy to allow students to bring snacks that supplement the school’s offering.  

Students may bring their own bagged snack — chips/pretzels, Goldfish, fruit, or a non-nut-containing protein bar — and adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Snacks are to be eaten at the designated snack time — morning snack time and the first five minutes of activity period — and in the designated snack area — patios or dining hall. 
  • NO peanut- or tree nut-containing snacks allowed.
  • Snacks should be kept in a container (snap top plastic containers are suggested) or closed wrapper in their locker until eaten at snack time. 
  • Snacks must be shelf-stable or dry to prevent spoiling food in lockers. No snacks needing refrigeration are permitted.  
  • Students should only bring in snack for one day for themselves. 
  • Student beverages are limited to water and drinks provided by school.  
  • Candy is not permitted.  

If an individual does not follow these guidelines, their outside snack privilege will be taken away. 

Anything But A Backpack Day Is March 10
The 8th grade is hosting an Anything But A Backpack Day on Friday, March 10. This is a fun event where students can bring in something other than their backpacks to carry their things around for the day. It can be something completely fun if they want. If students would like to participate, they need fill out the Google form; students will be notified via email if their submissions have been approved. To participate, students need to bring in $5 between Monday, March 6, and Wednesday, March 8. Please make sure to check the guidelines at the top of the Google form. 

Quick Guidelines:

  • Must be able to go up the stairs (if bringing it to classes)
  • Must be able to stay silent while classes are happening
  • Must be able to fit through a door/in one's locker

However, if it's something that cannot fit in a locker but something that a student can find a place to store elsewhere (with a teacher's permission) that item will be considered. Make sure to note that in the form!

New Timing for Trivia Event
Eighth grade students will host a trivia event in the Forum Tuesday, March 7, from 8 to 9 a.m. as a fundraiser for the new playground. Organizers are hoping this timing will allow more people to join!

Sign up with a team of five to participate. Each team will need to pay $25 to enter ($5 per person). There will be snacks for purchase at the event, so you might like to bring money for snacks. There will also be prizes for the winners!

Sign-ups for the trivia event will be in the office with envelopes for the $25 entry fee. One person can sign up for their team of five. Please sign up by Friday, March 3.

Books Sought for Middle School Library Book Exchange
The Middle School Library has decided to create a Book Exchange mini-library. The library's fantastic movable (Hogwarts-style) bookshelves will be the location for the Book Exchange.

To fill the library bookshelves to the brim, the Middle School needs the support of the Thayer community. If you have middle grade or young adult books in great or good condition that you would like to donate to the Book Exchange, please drop them off there. Both fiction and nonfiction books are welcome. There will be a donation bin near the library's front door. Ms. Jimenez, the Middle School's CDL director, designed and created the book exchange labels. 

Middle School Dress Down During No-Sports Week March 7-10
The 8th grade class is organizing a Dress Down Week March 7-10 for students and faculty willing to donate towards the Class of 2027 Legacy Gift: a brand-new playground just outside the Middle School. Prices are $1.50 for a day or $5 for all four days. Exact change only! Tickets will be available for sale before school and during Extra Help in the front hall near the art room Wednesday, March 1, until Friday, March 3. Prior purchase of tickets is required to dress down. Pajamas and hats are welcome with a ticket for a Dress Down Day! 

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Aashrita Joga '27. 

Next Science Cafe Is March 6
Abimbola Cole '11, PharmD, MPH, will be the next presenter at the Middle School Science Cafe scheduled for Monday, March 6. Students can use the sign-up sheet to register and submit a question in advance. 

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Young. 

Middle School Sports End March 3
Friday, March 3, is the last day of winter sports programs for the Middle School. 

Middle School DEI Conference at Shady Hill School April 1
The Thayer Academy DEIB Office looks forward to bringing a group of Middle School students to the AISNE Middle School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference. The conference is scheduled for Saturday, April 1, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Shady Hill School in Cambridge.

The DEIB Office encourages families to talk about this exciting opportunity at home. If you have questions and/or think your student(s) would be interested in attending, reach out to Sarah Miller or Destiny Palmer.

TAPA Speaker Series: A Chat with Dr. Ali Michael
TAPA invites the entire Thayer community to attend the second TAPA speaker engagement of the year on Tuesday, March 7, at 6 p.m. in the CFA. TAPA, in partnership with the DEIB Office, will welcome author and educator Dr. Ali Michael.

Dr. Michael is an educator, researcher, and author as well as a parent. She works with schools and organizations across the country to help make research on race, whiteness, and education more accessible and relevant to educators, parents, and guardians. She is the embodiment of her work, and all of her research and writing comes from questions she has asked as a parent and a teacher or that parents/guardians and teachers have asked her.

Please join TAPA and the DEIB Office for an interactive discussion and workshop with Dr. Michael as she shares her knowledge and experience about building community, creating inclusive spaces, a healthy multiracial society, and how to talk to our children about creating the same. 

Parent/Guardian Affinity Groups
TAPA and the DEIB office welcome participation in upcoming affinity group meetings for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ parents and guardians. Affinity groups are a resource to provide a sense of community and a safe space for parents and guardians to unite and support one another in meaningful conversations and activities.

Please note: affinity group meetings are intended to be a safe space for those individuals in our community who self-identify as a member of that designated group and are able to speak from the "I" perspective. These meetings should only be attended by those individuals; they are not intended for those who identify as allies.
 
For any questions about the BIPOC Affinity Group, please contact TAPA DEIB Coordinator Sharisse Cail Perry P ‘24 ‘24 or TAPA Middle School Secretary JoAnn Brown P ‘27. For any questions about the LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group, please contact Julie Austin-Johnstone P ‘24.

Remaining BIPOC Affinity Group meeting dates (All meetings begin at 7 p.m.): April 5; and May 3. 

Remaining LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group meeting dates (All meetings begin at 7 p.m.): April 6; and May 10.

Wily Network Care Package Event for Junior and Senior Classes
Attention, parents/guardians of juniors and seniors: Thayer's junior and senior classes are partnering with the Wily Network this winter, and TAPA is working in coordination with Associate Upper School Division Director and Dean of Students Kristan Gately to make this happen.
 
The Wily Network is a local nonprofit organization that supports Wily Scholars, college students who are working towards their degrees without emotional or financial support from family. Wily Scholars are navigating life and their education on their own.

How will the program work?
Wily has asked Thayer to "adopt" 40 scholars and provide each of them with a care package at the beginning of March. These students are currently at Boston College (9), Boston University (3), Harvard (3), Massachusetts College of Art and Design (4), MIT (17), UMass Boston (2), and Northeastern (2). Those parents and guardians with older kids already in college know how much college students appreciate receiving something from home. Since Wily Scholars do not currently have a stable family support system, these care packages mean a great deal to them.
 
How can we help?
TAPA asks those interested to consider donating items for the care packages. TAPA has created a SignUpGenius wish list and has designed it so, if parents and guardians feel comfortable, students can purchase most of the items at a grocery store, a Target, or a Walmart. Students can give their donations and gift cards directly to Ms. Gately. All donations should be made by Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Families with questions can contact Wily Network Care Package Volunteer Chair Joy Denomme P '23 or TAPA President Martha McNally P '21, '24, '27. Both expressed appreciation for support of this worthy cause. 

TAPA Board Positions
TAPA is responsible for so many community events held around school. As a TAPA board member, you are able to learn so much about what's happening and what new events are coming. TAPA is always looking for volunteers to join in this development and management effort by sitting on the TAPA board.

If you're interested in a board seat, please contact TAPA President Martha McNally P '22, '24, '27 to learn about the roles and responsibilities of what positions are open.

Parent/Guardian Casual Get-Togethers — Walk or Talk
Winter is all too often a time when people tend to hibernate. If you find it hard to get motivated when the weather is cold or the nights are long, TAPA offers a reason for you to get out and socialize.

Check the TAPA list of 2023 Winter Walks and Coffees and then join your fellow parents/guardians on a brisk walk or gather together at a local coffee shop for a warm chat. 

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities: Senior Activities
For our senior parents and guardians, this time of year brings thoughts of graduation as families are deep in the throes of college applications. Perhaps it has fostered some thoughts of all the activities that the school hosts on behalf of graduating students. TAPA sponsors The Last Hurrah! dinner, Senior Fest, and other spring activities. TAPA seeks a few parents/guardians to chair and volunteer for these events. Both senior and junior parents/guardians are encouraged to sign up. Please reach out to TAPA President Martha McNally P ’22, ‘24, ‘27 (last year’s chair) with questions or to participate.

For those interested in participating in the organization of the May Parent/Guardian Social, come ready to brainstorm in the new year. This committee will meet in January to start the planning process. TAPA also needs volunteers to help with decor, food selection, and auction item collection.

Review and/or sign up for all volunteer needs. 

Coming Soon: TAPA Scholarship Applications
Attention, all senior parents and guardians: please note that TAPA provides scholarship opportunities for those students who have demonstrated interest in, experience in, or aptitude for community service. Scholarships will be awarded at the Last Chapel in June.

TAPA encourages all to apply, and links to the application form will be placed in the TNN in the coming weeks.

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 Kuhlmann 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. 

Benelli Writing Center Director and US History Faculty Karen Jersild is reading The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. 

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

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