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Friday, March 5, 2010 "Charting New Courses" Assistant Head Chris Benbow held morning meetings outlining the course curriculum for the 2010-2011 school year. During the meetings, he reviewed course selections and offered advice about planning a four-year academic program in the Upper School. In our efforts to prepare our students for college and a twenty-first century course of study, we continually review our class offerings to ensure that they parallel our mission while encouraging intellectual curiosity and a love of learning. For next year, we have a few new course offerings, which enhance our traditional curriculum while providing additional program, which draws upon the strengths of our faculty. Reel History is a new course offering for next year and will be taught by Dean of Students Macy Kleinfelder. At her previous school, she developed this highly popular semester course and will offer it to juniors and seniors seeking to take a history elective. In short, Reel History will "examine the relationship between the reality and representation of history in film. Through required readings and papers of varied lengths, students in this course will evaluate the validity of film as a source for studying history." Computer Science I once again will be taught, but with a different focus as we draw upon the strong skills and knowledge of Rev. DN Steve Hosking, our Director of Technology. Rev. Hosking will be teaching Basics of Web Design to students who will learn the essentials of how to create a web page while learning to incorporate frames, tables, graphics, video, audio, and other simple web elements. I am excited to see these courses come alive next year and expect them to be quite popular. I’d like to take this time to thank all of you for reading my blog each week. I’ve come to discover that I have created a large and loyal following. As we head into our students' much-deserved spring break, I want to thank all of you directly or indirectly related to Williams for the terrific year we are having here. Our students have worked incredibly hard in the classroom, on the athletic fields, in our arts program, and in community service. I am asking all our students and families to take the upcoming break to spend some time together, and to reflect on all the positive things you’ve accomplished since school began on a hot day six months ago. Have a terrific break; I’ll be back blogging on March 26! Stay tuned…Enjoy your weekend! Friday, February 26, 2010
As I review this week’s calendar, I am amazed by all the various commitments our students have during this time of year. For our athletes, winter seasons have drawn to a close with playoff games and conference meets. For our performing artists, it’s time for our annual Compchorea show featuring student performers in all grade levels. In addition we have sixteen members of the junior and senior class participating in Harvard Model Congress in Boston. The fact that all of our students are so busy outside the normal class day speaks volumes to their commitment to a life beyond the classroom and their ability to manage time so very well. It also exemplifies how much our students, faculty, and administration enjoy being together to successfully accomplish all that they are doing.
Thursday kicked off Compchorea featuring nearly forty acts of student-composed music and choreographed dances. As I watched dress rehearsal on Wednesday, I was in awe of our students’ talent and ability to perform in front of a live, and always supportive, audience. As I sit here writing this on Thursday evening, I am reminded that our HMC Students in Boston are, right now, busily working to organize their caucuses, give speeches, participate in debates, and vote in the House or Senate general sessions, as they become “members of Congress” over the next three days. Whew! Spring Break is only a week away; our students and faculty are most deserved of some R&R. Stay tuned…Enjoy your weekend! Friday, February 19, 2010
“Hoops for Heart”
Moreover, students are also excited about an inaugural 3-on-3 basketball contest which will take place over lunch periods next week in support of this cause. Teams can be coed and be comprised of students across all grade levels. Faculty and staff are also planning to be on some of the student teams. (There was quite a buzz in the halls after this morning’s assembly) All players pay a one dollar entry fee to fund Hoops for Heart. This is yet another way we live in community to support our educational goals of “promoting an appreciation for athletics” while intertwining our mission “to emphasize the importance of service to the both local, national, and global causes.” Time to go lace ‘em up and go practice my jump shot! Stay tuned…Enjoy your weekend! Friday, February 13, 2010
“A Day Trip”
We met with The Day’s Education Coordinator, Cathy Marshall, who gave us a brief history of the paper and explained that it remains an independent paper since its founding in 1881 because of a trust established by founder Theodore Bodenwein. The Bodenwein Trust currently manages and operates the paper, allowing The Day to remain independent as long as the profits from the paper and trust are given back to the community. Kathy described the unique role of The Day’s journalists who are equally skilled as writers and videographers. We also discussed the vital role advertising plays in print media and for sustaining the economic survival of newspapers. On our tour, we saw the journalists busily working on stories for Tuesday’s edition and observed the writers “building proofs” for the classified and advertising sections. Next, we visited the area where the plates were made and processed in preparation for the press. Entering the quite noisy printing press area, we saw the Sunday comics’ sections being run on the three-story high press. Below the press lies the “reel room” where extremely large rolls of paper are carted on seemingly archaic dollies and loaded onto the press. The press is in operation most of each day as inserts (coupons, etc.) and supplemental sections are prepped for inclusion in the weekend editions. We all received a good sense of all the processes, logistics, and structure that goes into the paper arriving in our morning mailboxes. Our journalism classes have done a terrific job establishing our impressive and award-winning school newspaper, The Blueprint, and we hope to establish an important connection with writers from The Day to assist us in learning more. Stay tuned…Enjoy your weekend! Friday, February 5, 2010 “Pursuit of Freedom Debate”
The Pursuit of Freedom is a popular history elective, taught by Peter Emanuel, which examines the history of African-Americans from tribal Africa to the present. Obviously, slavery and the Civil Rights Movement are two major themes studied in the course.
I was impressed by the manner in which all of the students approached the topic, worked as a team, supported and delivered their statements for and against Washington’s quote. The affirmative team spoke about the power of the black man’s hard work and vocation which Booker T. Washington maintained that African Americans should concentrate on improving their industrial and farming skills rather than pursue full civil rights. The negative side took the stance supporting WEB DuBois’ belief that education and knowledge could help end racial prejudice, and for social change through protest. Both sides provided ample evidence (either historical or current) supporting their stance, and after a short recess, students returned to provide their rebuttal. After class, students shared with me how initially nervous they were to present their arguments to us. I never had the sense that any of the eight were anxious about their delivery. It was quite hard to choose a winning side in this debate as the students gave a tremendous effort to support, defend or rebut Mr. Washington’s quote. Stay tuned…Enjoy your weekend! Friday, January 29, 2010
“Williams Takes A Bite Out of the Big Apple”
I had the great pleasure of meeting and reconnecting with alumni who live in and around the New York metropolitan area [see slideshow]. Joining me were Ellen Spring, director of Development, and Laura Evans, director of the Annual Fund and Major Gifts. Thanks to the great work of the Freeman sisters, Jacqueline ’04 and Stephanie ’00, who both have been encouraging me to come to see them and other alumni in the City, we held a really fun event at The Public House on 41st Street and Lexington Avenue. Jonathan Ball ’99, owns a share of this wonderful restaurant and graciously allowed us to hold a gathering of members from his alma mater. (I am putting in a plug for Jon’s restaurant – a terrific venue, close to Grand Central Station, and great food!) Former student and faculty member Sandy Taylor ’84 represented the 80s decade (along with Gregory Schneider ’84) and recounted many fond memories of being a member of the science department under the leadership of Barbara Williams and Sue Lundgren. We had a host of alumni from the early 1990s decade which included Beth Edelstein, Ezra Hug, Hunter Tura, and Kristin Kaulbach Miles from the ’90 class, Allison Rogovin, Emily Durham McCarty and Jacqueline Glassenberg Hemmerdinger from the ’91 class, and Barry Junker ’94. Classmates Liz Frankel and Ilana Fischer from the Class of ’97 were able to reconnect as well. The 90’s group spoke fondly of our current teachers John Knudsen, Tom Kelly, and Mary Mirabito and the powerful impact they had on their lives. Daniel Cruz ’02 shared news from med school. I was delighted to see some of my former Sixties students, Jon Shockley ’06, Matt Spring ’06, Trevor Spring ’06, and Ross Bratin ’07 (my pro football pal). In addition, it was great to see Emily Bickford ’06 and Julie Neusner ’07 who are both continuing college careers pursuing their incredible talent in creative writing. Throughout the evening, I was touched to see how the alumni from the different decades come together to recount stories of their beloved alma mater. They were excited and surprised to hear about some of the positive changes we have recently made to our building, curriculum, and athletic program, BUT they were comforted by hearing how the mission and culture of our wonderful school have steadfastly remained the same." I am already looking forward to my next alumni gathering in a few weeks in Boston and a chance to visit with some more alumni blues. Stay tuned…See you next week. Friday, January 22, 2010
“Writing as Readers”
On Thursday, I was treated to all of the members of Mr. Becker’s English IV Class, entitled “Writers As Readers” who, in an all-school assembly, delivered several poems each had written during the second quarter. Mr. Becker introduced the audience to poetry, sharing that his students were stretching themselves and “it takes vulnerability to both write and share their poetry with others.” He aptly described poetry as writing about “things that seem beyond words…a poet sees something that other people don’t.” Mr. Becker’s introduction helped set a proper tone for the audience to show appreciation and respect to all of his writers. It also helped that Mr. Becker created an atmosphere in the PAC conducive to reading and listening to poetry. I felt as if I was in City Lights Bookstore in the Haight-Ashbury District of San Francisco. Mr. Becker gave his poets some structure with which to write. For example, members of the class had to look at one common picture a write a poem that came to mind. Hope Culliton’s Farmer Man was a wonderful representation. Another popular theme was an assignment to write about a meaningful place. Examples included My Austin by Danielle Briggs, Dear Culebra by Monique Nelson, My Neighborhood by Danielle Auerbach, Digby by Grace Beggins, and My Little House by Haley Caruso. Other students created wonderful works of imagery: Kissing Elephants by Annie Marcinek, Diving Backwards by Marissa Peck, The Coal Miners by Nancy O’Connor, and On Mixing Cement by Taylor Bickford. Millie Moore delivered a thought-provoking work based on a “Six Word Novel” entitled They Met. They Drank. Now Me. I would be remiss without mentioning Adam Ghalmi’s light-hearted look at a lonely 17th decimal place in Pi! Throughout the readings, I was impressed with our students’ behavior and appreciation for their peers’ willingness to take academic risks through their writing. I hope the class will share their works in our annual literary magazine, Bending Bridges so you have the opportunity to enjoy the works as well. Stay tuned… Have a great weekend! Friday, January 15, 2010
“Squash: The Tradition Begins”
On Friday, under the leadership of skilled first year coach, Kacey Constable, the Williams Varsity Squash team had its inaugural home match versus a veteran team from Moses Brown in Providence (a city known for its plethora of squash clubs and facilities). I was delighted to see that this sport emphasizes honor and good sportsmanship in the way that the teams are introduced and the method of keeping score by player participation. Firm handshakes begin and end each match and there exists a high level of camaraderie among all participants. Although our team lost its first home match, players should be proud of how much they are learning and how quickly they are adjusting to the nuances of this challenging racquet sport. (Individual matches were won by a few of our players.) Judging from the high number of middle school players and underclassmen on our roster, it won’t be long before this team becomes a formidable one. I invite all of you to come see our boys play (see the Squash Team page for schedule details). Stay tuned… Enjoy your weekend! Friday, January 8, 2010
“Alumni Afternoon”
Yesterday, we welcomed back onto campus the largest number of alumni in recent memory. Also joining the 50 graduates was Mr. Steve Danenberg, former Head of School, 1978-1994. He was delighted to reconnect with some of his former teachers, such as Tom Kelly and John Knudsen, meet many of the recent alumni and current students who recognized his bust in the Library Conference Room, and check in on some of his former students from The Country School in Madison. I remain grateful that Steve stays in touch with his former students and us and comes back to the school to provide some fond insights to Williams' past. As expected, the most recent graduating classes, 2006-2009 were best represented in yesterday’s turnout. Former students shared their tales of college with each other and their favorite faculty members. Many shared with me that it was so easy “to pick back up right where we left off here at Williams.” As always, the alumni shared the ease of transition that they experienced in their first year of college. They remain academically and socially prepared to succeed from the moment they step onto their respective college campuses.
I was also delighted to visit with Mary Sherman Lycan, Class of 1964, who happened to still be vacationing in the area (from her home in North Carolina). Mary shared with me the numerous changes the building has gone through since her time here. She also connected with Civil War aficionado Mr. Knudsen as they discussed her research on women (specifically women and their role in the numerous sanitary health commissions) in the Civil War. I hope many of those who attended are reading this and will continue to stay in close contact with us. Williams would not be the special place it is without your commitment to our alumni association! View a slideshow of the alumni coffee Stay tuned… Enjoy your weekend! Friday, December 11, 2009
“Winter Lights” – an anniversary!
Although the title of the Winterfest finale is “Winter Lights,” a song by George Winston, the traditional dance is known as “The Candle Dance.” Girls and boys at Williams have performed the candle dance for the past twenty years under the direction of dance instructor, Bo Parish. The girls don white silk dresses and the boys wear white suits while using the layout of the beautiful Harkness Chapel to perform. Each of the dancers carries artificially lit candles which sparkle and cast shadows as the lights dim to begin the song. Dancers are chosen by lottery and can perform throughout their Williams careers once they get selected. I am confident that all who left the wonderful Winterfest performance were put in the proper mood to celebrate the upcoming holidays. I will take this opportunity to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and look forward to giving you a view from inside Williams when I return to HeadsUp in January 2010. Peace and Good Williams…Happy New Year! Friday, December 4, 2009
“A Day at the Museum”
Soon after arriving at the MFA, all of the students were divided into six groups and followed docents who provided them with a one-hour tour of the galleries of Asian and Middle Eastern Art. Since the history classes have been studying eastern religions and culture, the students were able to view, study, and admire the many sculptures featuring Buddha and the Bodhisattva. The collection of these sculptures is one of the largest in the world. After lunch, students had the afternoon to view works and answer their handout questions about Impressionism and the Renaissance. There was even some remaining free time for our students and chaperones to explore a pop culture exhibit and get a glimpse of the large expansion at the MFA which will open next spring. Each time I have the opportunity to join a class on an off-campus trip, I am always so impressed by the manner in which the students conduct themselves. Students came to the museum ready to learn, experience art, and take advantage of this continuation of their classroom learning. They were a true pleasure to be with. Stay tuned…Enjoy your weekend. Friday, November 20, 2009
“Visiting Author”
Without telling too much of the story, Michael shared how he and his wife, along with their two white adopted (at birth) boys, Ripton and Morgan, moved from the affluent Upper East Side of Manhattan to the Lower East Side, closer to housing projects. Wanting to initially make friends through pick-up baseball, the Rosen boys became a part of a much larger family and now live a life of diversity. Michael and his wife adopt five boys, each of whom lived a troubled existence and were facing the failed pattern of becoming high school dropouts. This pattern ended before their new “Mom and Dad” took them in, legally. Michael became “the male constant” in the lives of the five boys and instilled in them structure, good manners, and house rules. Their new Mom was determined that any of the boys from the projects who came over to play with Ripton and Morgan had to read for thirty minutes upon each arrival. Through the care and love of the Rosens all five of their newly adopted sons have gone on to college and experienced success. Michael tantalized all of us who attended with his story of Carlos, which was compelling for all of us the buy the book. Michael left us reaching for the book; I cannot wait to read it! I hope you will join us again when we bring in our next author and continue to be lifelong learners, like our students. Stay tuned…Have a nice weekend! Friday, November 13, 2009
“Holiday Angels”
In Thursday’s assembly, leading members of our Service Committee addressed the student body on the various service programs and events that have occurred so far and will occur over the next few weeks. We have received letters back from our troops overseas thanking us for our baking efforts in the “Cookie Platoon.” Our Coffeehouse on October 30 earned and provided $900.00 to the Homeless Shelter, and our annual Fall Coat Drive is well underway and garnering numerous coats of all sizes for those in need.
Here’s how it works. Advisee groups will receive a description of the family (number and gender of children for example), collect money, and then shop for items on the family's “wish list.” Students gather in advisee groups to determine what to buy and then gather the purchased gifts for “wrapping day” here at school on Friday, December 11. A representative from The Child & Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut comes that afternoon, with a big truck (!), to pick up all packages for delivery. I hope you will help your child participate in such a worthy cause. All students will receive more information about Holiday Angels in advisee groups on Tuesday. Stay tuned…have a nice weekend! Friday, November 6, 2009 Every other week throughout the first three quarters, seniors meet in three groups during lunch in a Williams tradition called Senior Seminar. For the first quarter, our college counselors worked with seniors during the seminar sessions to answer any pertinent college search questions and help guide them through our new Naviance college placement program. These seminars support the great number of seniors who apply early (either November 1 or 15) to their first-choice college.
The seniors were delighted to have some ownership in marketing their school, and I couldn’t agree more with their responses. Stay tuned…Enjoy your weekend! Friday, October 30, 2009
“Playing for a Cure”
On Saturday, Halloween, Williams will host its annual Fall Sports Day featuring games involving all of our athletic teams except cross-country (who will be vying for their consecutive conference championship in Waterbury). Beginning at noon, six teams will be competing throughout the day at our athletic complex: boys and girls varsity and JV soccer and varsity field hockey. Making Sports Day more special is that our girls teams will be wearing pink uniforms in honor of breast cancer awareness month. Our teams have registered with the National Program, Play 4 The Cure, which has partnered with the Susan B. Komen Foundation to use high school athletics to promote breast cancer awareness and research. For more information about this program, I encourage you to check out the website, play4thecure.com. The field hockey team, captained by Anna Daren ’10, is excited to be participating in its second year of the sponsored event. Anna told me that the team will be wearing pink uniforms, playing with a pink ball, and she will be “thinking about several women that she dances with who are breast cancer survivors.” Grace Beggins ’10, varsity soccer captain, is excited about “representing such a powerful and personal cause” as the girls’ soccer team will be playing in honor of the wife of Coach Richard Chrimes who is battling colon cancer. We are grateful for the contributions of Anthem Sports who will provide the pink soccer balls for both games. In addition, awareness tee shirts and bracelets will also be sold. I look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday when we can honor all of our teams and support our Blues and this important cause. Noteably, our boys soccer teams have been fun to watch and they look forward to playing in front of a big and boisterous crowd. Keep your fingers’ crossed for good weather, and I’ll see you tomorrow! Stay tuned…Enjoy your weekend. Friday, October 23, 2009 “A Classic Delicacy”
Coinciding with the Latin II students’ study of the Roman Meal, the three sections of Latin II taught by Ms. Moss and Mr. Kenworthy were treated to a sample of edible dormice. This is a seven-year tradition that grows in popularity and lore with each passing year. The history of edible dormice can be traced back to the 13th century in Rome.
Students walking into the Williams room were somewhat reticent to try the dormice but were quick to comment, “it smelled like chicken!” All of the students had a taste of the Roman delicacy and seemed to like the flavor of the meat and spices. I invited anyone who has a question about dormice and their preparation to contact Mr. Kenworthy! Stay tuned…Enjoy your weekend! Friday, October 16, 2009
Seniors at Williams have a terrific opportunity to experience college due to our location on the campus of Connecticut College. Officially named the “New London Scholars Program,” Connecticut College offers four of our seniors (along with a few students from area high schools) the privilege of taking a one-semester class, tuition-free. Students get a good taste of college life while obtaining a college grade and transcript. The process for selection is stringent – our students are chosen on the basis of performance at Williams (GPA) and program (rigor of curriculum). In addition, students who have maxed out of course offerings in a particular subject are also eligible. Students have to choose a college course that meets during a time that will prevent the least amount of conflict to their day at Williams. This year, our four New London Scholars (above) are Aaron Davis, Alex Lin, James McGill and Bianca Salkin. They were chosen from among a dozen highly qualified seniors. Aaron is taking Modern Dance and enjoys the opportunity to perform with older and advanced students. Bianca has dreamed of the opportunity to study Italian and now is taking Introductory Italian. The mother of a Williams alumna, Caterina Ricardi ’07, teaches Bianca! Alex has completed the Williams math program and opted to take Chemistry. Alex enjoys the challenge of college chemistry that goes beyond what he learned as an AP Chemistry student last year. James, a history aficionado, is taking Modern European History. He is among fifteen college freshman in the course and really enjoys his “brilliant and personable instructor.” I marvel at the many fine ways that Williams maintains its strong relationship with Connecticut College. Our students have traditionally thrived in classes at Conn, and we are delighted that we are afforded this terrific opportunity. Stay tuned…Enjoy your weekend!
“Government in Action”
Students in Mr. Furgueson’s class listened intently to Congressman Simmons as he discussed and offered his views on a variety of topics ranging from the Iran’s nuclear armaments to national health care, to protecting jobs in our home state. Impressively, the class came prepared to listen, offer views, and ask Congressman Simmons to explain his stance on health care; he provided examples of why and how his plan could work. After class, I had a chance to speak with several members of the class to hear their reaction to having a politician come spend part of a day with them—many of whom will be getting their first opportunity to vote in next fall’s election. Senior Tory Myshka commented that “he had a straightforward approach and was passionate about what he said; I liked that he showed concern for jobs in our area, Electric Boat, Pfizer, etc.” Taylor Bickford ’10 was impressed that, “Mr. Simmons did not always vote along party lines and gave us two sides to the pressing issues so we could make informed and educated choices.” The class was a terrific opportunity for our students to understand how important they are, and will be, in the future of their region, state, and country. The class is already looking forward to listening to Merrick Alpert, a software business owner and Mystic resident and a candidate for Senate. Mr. Alpert will be coming to Mr. Furgueson’s class in a few weeks. Stay tuned… Enjoy your weekend! Friday, October 2, 2009
A Trip to Oxoboxo…
When we arrived in Montville, Dr. Oliver divided the class into three groups, each with specific tasks to collect data for the study which will be completed in subsequent classes back on campus. A scientist from the CT State Department of Environmental Protection met us to assist in our work. Throughout the morning, students grabbed needed scientific equipment, donned waders, and entered Oxoboxo Brook. Four students in the “Biology Group” headed upstream in the brook to take water samples, scrub rocks for organisms, and attempt to net and identify any indigenous marine and insect life. They were joined by the worker from the DEP and determined that the water was indeed healthy enough to support the local fly population. Another group, “Chemistry Group,” found a slower moving part of the stream to test the water for appropriate (and safe) levels of nitrogen, oxygen, and phosphorous. In addition, students measured water temperatures and calculated the pH level. This group specifically tested for higher levels of nitrogen usually caused by excessive amounts of laundry detergent, lawn fertilizer, and septic run-off. In essence, this group looked for the usual sources of water pollution. I worked with the “Flow Group” whose charge was to measure the width and depth of the stream to estimate its volume. We dropped a tennis ball at designated points to measure the speed and natural flow of the water. Our group also looked for signs of erosion or silt deposition. Throughout the morning, I was extremely impressed by the manner in which our students went about their work. While they were clearly enjoying the hands-on nature of this assignment, they recognized the need to take their work seriously. Dr. Oliver praised his group for the amount of focus they have had all year, and today was another example of how hard each member of the class was working. Based on the rough data collected, students were able to determine that “in general, the water was remarkably clean.” The next several class days will be devoted to collecting and analyzing the data from the trip and use this to determine the overall health of Oxoboxo Brook. The students were already looking forward to returning to their “lab” in the spring. I hope to join them. Stay tuned…Enjoy your weekend.
“Artist in Residence”
Greg shared the summer experience at The Mellwood Art Center in Louisville, describing to the students, faculty, and staff the tremendous professional growth opportunity he was given through the generosity of the REACH Foundation in Kentucky. He captivated the audience by recounting the history and transformation of the Mellwood Art Center, formerly a bacon factory and food processing plant from 1923-1981. Converted to an art space in 2003, Mellwood now is home to over 250 artist studios, a setting he described as a “dynamic place to be.” During his summer residency, Greg chose the theme for his film class at Williams (one of our most popular upper school electives) as “Shakespeare.” Greg used Shakespeare’s musings on the virtues of loyalty, courage, boldness, manliness, pride and magnamity as central themes for his artwork. He gave the audience great insight into his focus on the process of art versus the product. Greg enjoys painting in triptychs, three-panel paintings that “work as one.” He showed the students a PowerPoint of various examples of his work, including sketches from the city using Shakespearean themes and “inserted” pigs as reference to the old bacon factory. His pieces ranged from quite powerful messages to works he painted for pure pleasure. We are so fortunate to have such an accomplished artist on our staff; a "New London treasure" as Mr. Tom Kelly explained. Greg Bowerman's collection from his Kentucky residency will be on display at the Golden Street Gallery beginning in October. If you cannot see his works at the Gallery, I encourage all parents to join us for his presentation at a Parents Association Meeting on October 22 at 7:00 PM. Stay tuned… Enjoy your weekend! Friday, September 18, 2009 “Parent’s Night” Parent’s Night, or better yet, “Back to School Night” is always a favorite of mine. It allows the wonderful opportunity for me to “show off” our top-notch faculty and superior programs which will play such pivotal roles in the academic and social-emotional growth of all of our students. In eight-minute snapshots, parents get a glimpse of the scope and sequence of courses and begin to recognize the higher level learning that I am privileged to see each day. To reiterate what I said to parents in my brief introduction last night, we are making efforts to better communicate with all of you; thus we have made some procedural changes this year. Progress reports are now being sent electronically directly from your child’s teacher. This should lessen the time needed for important information to get home and give parents and students more ability to take corrective measures. While the main conduit for communication and support of your child will continue to be your child’s advisor, our new method of communicating important information home will hopefully have a more immediate impact on supporting your child. In addition, all of our teachers are now posting homework assignments on-line. Students and parents can access this information by logging into the following url: http://mail.williamsschool.org/~homework (available in the pull-down menu of the Williams website's "Parents" tab as show below).
Stay tuned. Enjoy your weekend! Friday, September 11, 2009 After a wonderful New Parent Dinner last night and to kick off to this year’s Parents Association, we were treated to an amusing, poignant, and meaningful speech delivered by Dr. Doug Lyons, Director of the ConnecticutAssociation of Independent Schools. I have been fortunate enough to hear Doug speak on a variety of school-related topics, and I come away each time entertained, educated, and inspired. He described the function of a child’s brain during the age a child is enrolled at Williams as one which runs on “emotion.” This emotion controls children’s behavior (based on the Limbic System) without them even being cognizant. During this time, children’s dispositions are being formed as a direct result of learned behaviors. Therefore, the emotional condition of the brain during the formative years has a direct impact on success or failure later in life. As a result, one of the most meaningful and consequential ways in which we serve our students is by the strong, positive, relationships that are formed among our students and faculty. Simply put, teachers who know and support their students will have a profound impact on their long-term development. In reading alumni letters and surveys and speaking with current students, the fundamental and positive relationships our students have formed with adults in our community is what we are best known for at Williams. They are convinced that our faculty, coaches, administrators, and staff know them, care for them, and are supporting every phase of their development and success. Doug ended his presentation by asking parents “what they can give their child that will last forever?” For him, the answers were easy…
As I said in my opening remarks Thursday night (it is always worth repeating), I thank all of you for the sacrifices you have made to provide your child with a Williams education. The experience for your child will truly last forever. To those who attended last night, thank you! I do encourage anyone who has not had the wonderful opportunity to hear Doug Lyons speak to do so at your next opportunity. Stay tuned. Enjoy your weekend. Friday, September, 4, 2009
Williams Welcome! Welcome back to my weekly view of Williams after what I hope was a fun-filled and relaxing summer for all! I also want to welcome all of our wonderful new families to my blog! By all accounts, we have had an incredibly smooth and successful opening to the 119th year of The Williams School. I know why. I have a terrific administrative team, staff, and faculty who collectively work to promote our mission and support our students – whether they are new to Williams (as more than 70 are) or entering their sixth consecutive year! Yesterday, I introduced our student leaders (some shown above) and four Student Council proconsuls who will further support me to set a positive tone for the entire Williams community. Tonight, I host the annual senior dinner (a BBQ) at my house; I look forward to having all 59 seniors and their class advisors come for dinner, laughs, conversation, and games. The seniors also use the evening to plan senior events such as Senior Day, special assemblies, the prom and the first dance of the year. I ask our parents to mark your calendars for Friday, September 25, 7:00 to 10:00 PM, for the all-school dance sponsored by the senior class. I hear that a “space theme” is being tossed around! Students will find out more about the dance in assembly later in the month. I look forward to another wonderful year with all of you. The energy is back in the building, and from sights and sounds of the first week of school, 2009-10 will be a school year to remember! Stay tuned… Enjoy your weekend! Reach me by email at
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