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Here's to a great Homecoming, and best of luck to all of our teams. 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.
Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Season Begins Oct. 5
Atlantic Symphony Orchestra will hold its first concert of the season Saturday, Oct. 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the Center for the Arts (CFA). There is a special offer for Thayer students and their families with $5 tickets available for purchase at the door.
ASO's opening night features Canadian-born virtuoso violinist Shannon Lee, who will play Bruch's exciting Violin Concerto No. 1.
ASO will also perform two electrifying masterworks — a triumphant Beethoven's 7th Symphony and a colorful foxtrot for an orchestra by Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer John Adams. The orchestra will begin the evening with Mozart's Overture from Don Giovanni.
Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra, resident at Thayer's CFA, and led by Music Director Jin Kim. For more information, visit the orchestra's website.
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.
Exhibit Opens in Koskores Gallery
“One Percent Inspiration,” an exhibit of the work of Joe McKendry and others, opens today (Friday, Sept. 27) in Koskores Gallery and runs 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.
DEIB Notebook
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) takes place from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 every year as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community.
To celebrate HHM, check out some local Latinx-owned businesses and restaurants as well as some programs, books, and events through the Boston Public Library. Also, take a look at the BPL'S Vida Latina Booklist.
Rosh Hashanah (10/3 - No School)
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is one of Judaism’s holiest days. Celebrated this year from Oct. 2 until Oct. 4, Rosh Hashanah means “head of the year” or “first of the year.” Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday, also known as the Day of Atonement. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the two “High Holy Days” in the Jewish religion.
OMEGA Potluck Is Oct. 29
Mark your calendars: All Thayer community members are invited to the fall OMEGA potluck! Join OMEGA and other Upper School DEIB student organizations for activities, engaging conversations, and a potluck-style meal. There will be food and games as well as raffle prizes to highlight different DEIB student organizations at Thayer.
Guests are strongly encouraged to bring a dish from their culture(s) to share with others. Keep an eye out for the RSVP that will be shared in the coming weeks.
Upper School Drop-off and Pickup Is in Glover Lot Only
All Upper School morning student drop-offs and afternoon pickups should take place in the Glover Parking Lot only.
There have been a number of vehicles dropping off and picking up on Hobart Avenue recently, thereby negatively impacting the flow of traffic on this street. Thayer has also heard from its neighbors that vehicles have been blocking driveways along Hobart Avenue and at times affecting those neighbors' ability to access their properties.
Moving forward, and for the safety of everyone, please utilize only the Glover lot for drop-off and pickup.
College Application Workshop Is Oct. 16; No School for Grade 12
Attention, parents and guardians of seniors: On Wednesday, Oct. 16, seniors have the day off from classes to devote to the college application process in some way. The hope is that seniors will take the opportunity to travel to a college campus, sit for interviews, or write supplemental essays.
If a senior does not yet have plans but has work to do on applications, parents/guardians should encourage that student's presence in the Brickyard. From 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., seniors will gather together for food and college application fun in this unstructured yet productive, supportive, and collaborative event. College search resources will be available and the college counselors will circulate to help anyone in need. No RSVP is required.
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. 30
8 to 9:05 a.m.: Merrimack College
9:10 to 10:15 a.m.: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
12:05 to 1:10 p.m.: University of Redlands
1:15 to 2:20 p.m.: Syracuse University
2:25 to 3:30 p.m.: Butler University
2:25 to 3:30 p.m.: Fordham University
Tuesday, Oct. 1
9 to 10:05 a.m.: University of Massachusetts Boston
10:25 to 11:30 a.m.: Davidson College
12:05 to 1:10 p.m.: Babson College
2:25 to 3:30 p.m.: School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Wednesday, Oct. 2
8 to 9:05 a.m.: Washington College
9:10 to 10:15 a.m.: Texas Christian University
12:25 to 1:30 p.m.: George Mason University
Thursday, Oct. 3
NO SCHOOL
Friday, Oct. 4
8 to 9:05 a.m.: Southern New Hampshire University
9:10 to 10:15 a.m.: Plymouth State University
11:55 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Loyola University Maryland
1:05 to 2:10 p.m.: Rhode Island College
2:15 to 3:20 p.m.: Tufts 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!
Yearbook Makeup/Retake Picture Day Is Oct. 21
The Makeup/Retake Picture Day for the Upper School yearbook is Monday, Oct. 21. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Blanco, advisor to the Black and Orange.
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.
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. The whole family is welcome!
For more information, please contact DEIB Director Matt Ghiden.
Homecoming is Tomorrow
Homecoming is tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 28)! The tent is up and our student-athletes are ready. TAPA looks forward to seeing you there cheering on our Tigers and sharing in a day of community and Thayer spirit!
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: Wednesday Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. at Davio,s in Braintree
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
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) 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 Another Great Coffee
A special thanks to all who attended the TAPA Coffee this past Wednesday where parents/guardians heard from Middle School Director Galen Hamann P '31 and others. That wraps up this fall's TAPA coffee series. See you in the spring!
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
Benelli Writing Center Director and Upper School History Faculty Karen Jersild is reading A Swim in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life by George Saunders.
For a complete listing of current events, visit thayer.org/calendar.
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Questions about TNN? Suggestions? Please email TNN@thayer.org.