March archive

The Phelps School will again compete in the “World’s Largest Rocket Contest”.

March 30, 2008

The Phelps School will again compete in the “World’s Largest Rocket Contest”. This is our second attempt to win the Team America Rocketry Challenge.

The Team America Rocketry Challenge is aimed at increasing interest in math and science and promoting aerospace careers among young people. Approximately 7,000 students, representing a total of 643 middle and high school teams from 43 states and the District of Columbia will compete for cash and scholarships.

The 2008 event will require each 3- to 15- member team to successfully launch a model rocket that reaches 750 feet while remaining aloft for 45 seconds, and return two raw eggs to the ground unbroken.

Students are vying for a total of $60,000.00 in scholarships and prizes. Lockheed Martin provides $5,000.00 scholarships to each of the top three teams, and Raytheon sponsors the winning team’s trip to the Farnborough International Airshow, Great Britain, in July. NASA invites some of the top teams to participate in their Student Launch Initiative, an advanced rocketry program. AIA is sponsoring the contest along with the National Association of Rocketry partnered with NASA, the Defense Department, and the American Association of Physics Teachers.

The Phelps School entered one team last year and was able to design, build and fly our model rocket. We also completed a flight card; however, we did not achieve a score high enough attend the finals.

For the 2008 challenge, The Phelps School has entered two teams. We have used the knowledge gathered from the original 2007 Phelps rocketeers and have developed and added many innovative design improvements to our new rockets. Both teams are confident that we will make the finals, and are committed to winning this year’s competition.

The 2008 Phelps School rocketeers are under the direction of Fred Kepner, Science Teacher, Team Advisor and Skip Turansky, Safety Director, Technical Advisor.

The top 100 teams will compete at the Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia on Saturday, May 17th. The public is invited to watch the competition.

To learn more about what Phelps School has to offer as boys boarding school click here.

Comments from Blue Ridge School students

March 30, 2008

The best way to learn about a school is directly from the students. Blue Ridge School features several student profiles on their website. below is what John Sung, from Ulsan South Korea had to say about his school:

Why he is a Blue Ridge Baron: I was looking for a high school, and my guardian told me this was a place that was quiet and peaceful with a great environment so I could concentrate on my school work and have a good time. When I came here, I thought Blue Ridge School was very big and very pretty. The lake and the chapel and the woods around it were so beautiful.

Message to Prospective Students: The most important asset of the School is that you have close teacher and student relationships. You have to get your work done, and the teachers will stay after you to get your work done and prepare you for college. The sports here are competitive; Blue Ridge taught me a lot about sportsmanship and that being a good team member is more important than your individual talents. Everyone here is very accepting. No one judges you based on what you look like. They find out who you are. (John Sung will be attending Syracuse University next year where he plans to study architecture.)

Activities:

• Tennis
• Soccer
• Football Manager
• Baseball
• Wrestling
• Chapel Choir
• Concert Choir
• Library Committee
• Tour Guide

Leadership:

• National Honor Society
• Prefect
• Proctor

To learn more about what Blue Ridge School as to offer as a boys boarding school click here.

Colorado Springs school holds science class in a cave!

March 30, 2008

Why you should hold a chemistry lesson in a cave is no deep dark secret for Mr. Johnson.

When Upper School science teacher Greg Johnson wants his students to understand how carbonic acid reacts to calcium carbonate, he can shed light on the topic with a trip to an underground limestone cave.

The result?

Students learn more about patterns in nature. In this case, that pattern is how any acid reacts with any carbonate. Experiential education like this is what brings classroom lessons to life.

To learn more about Colorado Springs School click here.

Marvelwood School Reaches Fundraising Goal for New Athletic Center

March 26, 2008

The Marvelwood School's Capital Campaign for the Anne Davidson Scott Athletic Center has come to a successful conclusion.

The Chairman of Marvelwood's Board of Trustees, Alfred C. Brooks, has announced the official closing of the campaign, which began while Anne "Toby" Scott, for whom the new building is named, was Head of School. The campaign was the biggest fund-raising effort in the school's history.

The Anne Davidson Scott Athletic Center, which was built and dedicated in 2007. The two-story, 22,600 square-foot facility includes:

• The Burton Alumni Gymnasium
• The Diao Cardio/Fitness Center
• Wrestling Room
• Dance/Aerobics Multi-Purpose Room
• Athletic Training Suite
• Ski & Rock Climbing Prep Room
• Locker Rooms and Shower Facilities

The Marvelwood has excellent athletic facilities, to see what else Marvelwood School school as to offer as a private boarding school for boys and girls, click here.

Saint Bernard's Catholic School's extensive visual arts classes

March 25, 2008

I was browsing through different schools art programs and after reading about Saint Bernard's Visual Arts program, I was very impressed, especially their graphic design class.

Graphic Design is geared toward providing students with exciting assignments that teach them computer literacy using design and page layout programs. Projects include Photoshop flowers, self-portraits, personal posters, and more. Students also come up with their own fictional business and create a business identity package complete with letterhead, envelope, and business card. Flyers, brochures, movie posters (they even make up their own movie) are also part of the curriculum. Students learn how a work of design is a result of how the composition of the design elements creates mood, style, message, and a look.

To learn more about what Saint Bernard's Catholic School has to offer to boys and girls, click here.

St. Thomas More School hosts career day!

March 25, 2008

St. Thomas More School's Eighth Annual Career Day Enlightens Students

For the eighth consecutive year, a diverse line-up of parents, past parents, alumni and community members came to St. Thomas More to participate in Career Day. On March 13th, the 25 presenters visited classrooms and spoke to the students about their careers.

After a brief breakfast gathering and orientation, the presenters were off to their assigned classrooms. Many spoke about choosing a career path and how to prepare for a career in their field, while others wanted to hear from the students about their college plans and career goals. Presenters spoke openly about their jobs, discussing their challenges and struggles, but also the rewards. They encouraged the students to ask questions and engage in conversation. It was evident that they love what they do for a living and therefore were eager to share their experiences with the students.

Below are some of the presenters.

• Al Ambrose ’65 - NIA Group
• Chuck Barton - People’s Bank
• Lt. Kate Bitel - United States Coast Guard
• Lt. John Bourcet - United States Coast Guard
• Heather Giffen - Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Conn.
• Officer Tanjorie Godwin - State of Connecticut Corrections
• Kevin Freiert - Pfizer Global Research and Development
• Rich Griffiths - Edward Jones
• Sgt. Kevin Hale - National Guard
• Bob Hathaway - R.I. State Crime Lab
• Lt. Robert Judd - State of Connecticut Corrections
• Jim Lyons - Rinker Materials
• Callie Manwaring - Quinn & Gellar Marketing
• Megan Murasso - R.I. State Crime Lab
• Richard Murray - IRS Criminal Investigation
• Jim O’Shea - Achievement Unlimited
• Bob Pokrinchak - Computerworks
• Gwen Pointer - Connecticut Sun
• Dennis Proto ’67 - Prudential Connecticut Realty
• Dallas Pride - Connecticut Sun
• Jane Seney - Lyman Allyn Art Museum
• Jon Sikorski - Corporate Express
• Dwayne Stallings - Merrill Lynch
• Suzanne Thompson - The Montville Times
• Aimee Wickless - Brown Jacobson P.C.

To learn more about what St. Thomas More School as to offer as a boys boarding school, click here.

Webb School - freshman podcasts

March 25, 2008

Freshman Podcasts

Recently, the Webb School's freshman english students composed personal essays about their beliefs. Based on National Public Radio’s series called “This I Believe,” the writing assignment asked the freshmen to compose short essays explaining values that guide them in their daily living. After composing these essays, students then recorded them on Gabcast, a website offering free space for podcasting.

To listen to their essays on wide-ranging subjects, go to the class website at: here and select “Student Publication” from the menu on the left of the screen, and then click the link that appears under “This I Believe” essays. You'll be taken to The Webb School channel on Gabcast, where you can select each essay by the student writer’s name.

To learn more about the Webb School click here,

Maine Central award winning Jazz Combo!

March 18, 2008

MCI's Jazz Groups Earn High Ratings

March 14,over 70 groups from the state competed in the State instrumental jazz festival. On Friday MCI's Jazz Combo earned a Silver Medal (II Rating)in Division II. Seth Fitts, Libby Newhouse, CJ Kersbergen, and Alecia Lambert received musicianship awards for their solo work.

On Saturday, the Jazz Band earned a Gold Medal (I Rating) in Division III Jazz Bands. The group was one of the top three in their division earning the privilege of performing in the Evening Finals Competition. The Jazz Band ended up earning Third Place in the State of Maine Div. III Jazz Bands. Individuals receiving musicianship awards were; Jonathan Downs, Corrina Edmondson, Ehren Bachelder, and Alecia Lambert. Each Division selects five students from the well over 200 student musicians performing, for outstanding musicianship. MCI was the only school from Division III to have two students recognized in this category; Jonathan Downs on guitar and Ehren Bachelder on trumpet. This was the fifth consecutive year that the Jazz Band performed in the State Finals.

A Silver Rating is the equivalent of meeting the standards of High School musicians as determined by the Maine Music Educators Association. A Gold Rating is the equivalent of exceeding the standard. Dean Neal said "MCI truly has exceptional students and I am grateful for the opportunity to teach them."

Click here to learn more about Maine Central Institute.

Christchurch School has lots of fun activities planned for the spring!

March 17, 2008

SPRING AT THE RIVER!

Oyster Restoration at the Waterfront! On Thursday afternoons - build, canoe, ride the skiff, get wet, get muddy, explore, have fun!

April 12, 13 - Upper Rappahannock Float Trip and Campout - float, fish and cook in this beautiful, secluded area.

Whitewater Canoe Trips - Attend the flatwater canoe workshop on April 20 and pass, and you can whitewater canoe on May 4 and 11!

These are just a few things that make Christchurch a great boarding school by the river. To learn more about the great things that Christchurch School has to offer, check out: on this page.

Hyde competes against Marianapolis

March 14, 2008

Hyde Woodstock Wolfpack - 2008 SENE Wrestling Champions 2/22/2008

Hyde vs. Marianapolis and Moses Brown @ Moses Brown in Providence, RI.

The Varsity Wrestling squad traveled to Providence, RI on Wednesday to compete in the SENE Wrestling Championships. The SENE group consists of four teams: Marianapolis Prep School, Moses Brown, Providence Country Day School, and Hyde School. PCD chose not to attend this year.

The grapplers faced Marianapolis in our opening match to see who would face the host Quakers for the Championship. Our neighbors from Thompson put up a good fight, but our team was tougher and very motivated.

We started at 130lbs and everyone in the line up won by PIN! Derwyn Johnson '09, Brian Petrello '09, Dane Mason '10, Ryan Cunniff '08, David Tobias '08, Jeff Irwin '08, Dillon Sands '09, Stephen Jay '09, Kevin Stanners '10, Jacob Gabel '11, Taiga Koda '08, and Ari Marom '09 finished things up at 119!

Against MB we started at 135lbs and Brian Petrello '09 faced MB's toughest wrestler and fought hard, but lost by pin. Dane Mason '11 back from a trip to the wilderness with no practice for 5 days came out and won an amazing overtime thriller 8-6 at 140lbs!

Ryan Cunniff '08 was next and thoroughly dominated his match with a win by pin. David Tobias '08, with his delighted father Allen looking on, head locked his man in the second period and stuck him for his final win in a Hyde singlet! Thank you David for three years of hard work and effort in our room! Jeff Irwin '08 at 160lbs had a back and forth match where he spend a good bit of time on his back, but Jeff summoned the courage and intensity to reverse his man right to his back and win by pin in his final match of his wrestling career! Jeff really developed nicely over the past two seasons on the mat and he should be proud of the way he finished at MB!

At 171lbs, Dillon Sands '09 dispatched his opponent quickly to record his first period win by pin! Stephen Jay '09 rose to the challenge and won by pin at 189lbs!

At 215lbs Kevin Stanners '10 had a great day! He has really worked hard in the second half of the season and he recorded his second win of the day by pin!

The whole school heard last week about the exploits of Lawrence Goldfarb '09 who pinned a 290lbs wrestler from Pomfret in a JV match! Now LARRY was being sent out in a Varsity match to face Moses Brown's 275lb wrestler. After being taken down early in the match Lawrence did not crumble under all that weigh and he summoned the strength and courage to roll his opponent and put him to his back for the win by pin! I caught some major air time as flew out of my seat in excitement with this amazing win!!!

Jacob Gabel '11 won a tough decision at 103lbs and is battled tested and ready for his trip to the big stage at the National Prep School Tournament that starts tomorrow at Lehigh University! Taiga Koda '08 also tuned up for Nationals by dispatching his man by pin at 112lbs! Ari Marom '09 fought hard but lost a decision at 119lbs.

The last match of the day was very exciting. Derwyn Johnson '09 was pinned by his opponent back on the second of February and he was motivated to record a different result in his last match of his rookie season on the mat. He took his man down and put him to his back and finished our triumphant day with a win by pin!

SENE CHAMPIONS for 2008- your Hyde School Wolf Pack!

To learn more about Hyde Schools check out: on this page

or Marianpolis Prep School: on this page

Hebron Academy Entrepreneurship Program

March 14, 2008

Entrepreneurship program gears up.

This year’s Hebron Entrepreneurship Program, a co-curricular activity that teaches students the basics of business leadership, management, and planning, was launched recently with an initial sign-up of 19 students.

Now in its third year, the program offers participants the opportunity to interact with successful entrepreneurs, launch for-profit and non-profit ventures, and participate in a competition, the Entrepreneurial Challenge, in the spring.

“The group seems to be excited, and is looking forward to the challenge,” reports program director Bob MacLellan.

This year’s lecture series was kicked off by former Hebron students John and Brendan Ready of Ready Seafood, whose innovative approach to lobstering has resulted in a $10 million business in just three years.

Following the lecture, an initial entrepreneurship meeting was held in which students were introduced to the requirements of the competition and organized into teams of three or four members. Subsequent meetings will be held to refine ideas, develop business plans, and implement the prospective businesses, each of which will receive $250 in seed money, to be reimbursed with interest from any profits generated.

Winners of the competition will receive scholarships in the amount of $500 for each of two categories: most profits generated and best idea.

The Entrepreneurship Program was created in 2005 through a gift from R. Eugene Whitman, a Wellesley, Massachusetts, businessman and member of the Hebron Academy class of 1954. The program is currently funded through the generosity of Daphne Whitman H’54, her children, Chip and Hilary, and many friends and family who made gifts to the program in memory of Gene.

Last summer, Hebron was chosen to host the first EntrePrep Summer Institute, a week-long residential program developed by the National Council for Economic Education and funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The program proved a success and will be repeated this July.

To learn more about what Hebron Academy has to offer, check out: on this page

Six St. Andrew's-Sewanee students chosen for Governor's School

March 14, 2008

Six Students Chosen for Governor's School

Six SAS students have been chosen to participate in 2008 Governor’s Schools of Tennessee. Rising juniors and seniors are chosen for these all-expense-paid, four or five-week summer programs through a highly competitive process of applications, interviews and auditions. Junior Lizi Franklin and sophomore Zoe Petropoulos were both chosen for two programs.

Elizabeth Franklin of Hilham, Tenn. was chosen for both the School for Computational Physics at Austin Peay State University and the School for Engineering at UT-Knoxville. Dasom Lee of Seoul, Korea was chosen to attend the School for International Studies at University of Memphis. Daniel Shaver of Sewanee, Tenn. will attend the School for the Sciences at UT-Knoxville. Jin Choi of Sung-nam City, Korea will attend the School for the Arts at Middle Tennessee State University. Zoe Petropoulos of Sewanee, Tenn. was chosen for both the School for Scientific Models and Data Analysis at East Tennessee State University and the School for International Studies at the University of Memphis. Simon Koch of Burgdorf, Germany was also chosen to attend the School for International Studies.

To learn more about St. Andrew's-Sewanee School, check out: on this page

George School Student Named Intel Science Talent Search Finalist

March 13, 2008

George School Student Named Intel Science Talent Search Finalist for Alternative Energy Research.

George School senior Kenny Kao has been named one of forty finalists nationwide in the 67th Annual Intel Science Talent Search, known as the nation's oldest and most prestigious science competition. Kenny was previously one of 300 semifinalists selected on the basis of their outstanding research from among the competition's 1,602 entrants.

"This is a magnificent achievement," stated Head of School Nancy Starmer. "We are extremely proud of Kenny. Given George School's commitment to environmental sustainability, I think it is particularly exciting that Kenny has received this national recognition for research concerning an alternative energy source."

Director of Studies Scott Spence said, "This is truly an extraordinary accomplishment. The Science Talent Search is often viewed as a 'junior Nobel Prize.'"

Kenny entered the competition with research entitled "Nanoparticle Enhancement of PEM Fuel Cell Power Output," which he conducted as a fellow at Stony Brook University's Simons Summer Research Fellowship Program in the summer of 2007. PEM fuel cells, an emerging technology, are considered to have great potential as a clean, efficient future energy source. Also known as polymer electrolyte membrane or proton exchange membrane fuel cells, they have the potential to be used in passenger vehicles. PEM fuel cells use hydrogen fuel and oxygen from the air to produce electricity.

Kenny explained, "The current problem is that these types of fuel cells have a low power output relative to the cost. It is ten to twenty times more costly than if you were to generate energy from natural gas. Basically, my job was to improve the efficiency." His research suggests a way in which the power output of PEM fuel cells can be increased by over five hundred percent.

"Kenny is well deserving of this honor," said George School teacher Chris Odom, who currently instructs Kenny in AP Physics as well as Computer Programming and Robotics. "He is tenacious. That's the best way to describe him. He is relentless in a very positive way." Chris continued, "Like all great experiments, Kenny's is very easy to understand. The results of his research are just as clear as they could possibly be. Thanks to research such as Kenny's, PEM fuel cells have recently improved to the point where they are considered a promising source of power for the automobiles, robots, and space missions of the future."

Contest entrants represented 504 high schools in 45 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. As a finalist, Kenny will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington DC for a week-long event in March. In addition, the Intel Foundation will provide at least $5,000 and a new laptop for each finalist.

At the event in March, finalists will meet noted scientists and national leaders. They also will display their research at the National Academy of Sciences. From among the finalists, ten top winners will be selected through an intensive judging process and announced at a black-tie gala on March 11, 2008.

To learn more about George School, check out: on this page

Hawaii Preparatory Student receives Siemens Award

March 13, 2008

HPA Senior Honored with 2007-2008 Siemens Award for Advanced Placement News

Bo Hyung "Kathy" Yoon, a senior at Hawaii Preparatory Academy, was among the top performing American high school students in Advanced Placement science and math courses. Yoon was one of 97 students in 50 states honored in the 10th Annual 2007-2008 Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement.

Up to 100 students—potentially one female and one male in each state—receive a $2,000 college scholarship from the Siemens Foundation for earning the greatest number of grades of 5 on the following AP courses: Biology, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Computer Science AB, Environmental Science, Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, Physics C: Mechanics, and Statistics. Students must obtain a grade of 5 on at least two of these exams to qualify. Yoon shares the honor with Thomas Young of Punahou School on Oahu.

Yoon will attend Cornell University, where she plans to study animal science this fall.

The Siemens Foundation, established in 1998, provides more than $2 million in college scholarships and awards each year for talented high school students in the United States. The foundation's signature programs—the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology, the Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement, and the Siemens Teacher Scholarships—recognize exception achievement in science, math, and technology.

To learn more about HPA, check out: on this page

Northwood School's Huskies strong hockey season!

March 13, 2008

The Northwood Huskies capped off their season with a five to three victory and season series sweep of Academie St. Louis. Once again, John Dysart led the Huskies with two goals and an assist. Kris Mathieson buried his breakaway ghosts with a stellar deke and topshelf score. Jake Friedman had a "Babe Ruth" moment and not only predicted a goal, but secured the game winning goal in the process. Senior, Josh Bloch concluded his season with the last goal of the game, while Brian Beneke secured the win with a fine performance in net. The Varsity High School Northwood Huskies concluded their season with 22 victories, 9 losses, and two ties; they also won two tournaments and finished second in another.

Congratulations on a fine season!

Maur Hill-Mount Academy student's favorite things

March 13, 2008

COMMUNITY LIFE by Christopher Kuckelman - Class of 2009

It is so hard to believe that the school year ends this week. After so much work studying and all of good times have ended for another year. This was my freshman year. It is now over. No longer am I the low man on the totem pole.

After graduating from ACES last year my class and I were so happy to move on to the wonderful school of Maur Hill- Mount Academy. We couldn?t wait for our freshman year. It is now gone. However, those wonderful memories will never leave me.

For instance the Sadie Hawkins were StuCo had a fake wedding chapel and everyone married as many people as they could in one night. So many people had all of their finger covered in the rings. It was awesome marrying my sister?s best friend just to see her reaction that was priceless.

State Championship was another thing that was just a wonderful experience and still I?m so happy that I made it. The feeling that my school had the best 3A basketball team in the state. It was priceless. The crowd was great. I had never watched a basketball game so intensely. Let?s just hope we can pull it off in both baseball and then next year in basketball again.

Forensics was also very successful. 19 students qualified for state and went to Wichita. Everyone can attest that we did have a wonderful time.

The Christmas banquet is another event that I hope comes again. Before Christmas break every year the whole school has a large feast, after all we are one big family. The teachers served us and after the feast, when we went back to get our cars, a bunch of us freshmen and sophomores had a snow ball fight. It was so much fun to just sit down, relax and talk about everything in the first semester with my friends before finals.

Then no student will ever forget Mr. Forge. He is one great teacher and tolerates so much. We have so much fun with him though. So many great memories are in his science lab. From his sinks over flowing after a student made a water fall with his Bunsen burner tube, a rubber stopper, and his beakers. We came back to the room and it was overflowing. Then a lot of students ?found? their niche when he taught us to bend glass over the Bunsen burners. We would make different designs and try melting them together.

Those are just some fond memories from the last year that will remain with me the rest of my life. And hopefully in the years to come my class of ?09 will be just as successful and continue to have fun.

To learn more about the school Chris loves, check out: on this page

Miss Hall's School gets a visit by Senator

March 13, 2008

Sen. Downing Visits MHS

MHS Freshwomen recently received some insight into ethics, politics, and leadership, as they spent more than an hour connecting with one of the Commonwealth's youngest legislators.

State Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, spoke to students in the Horizons Freshwoman Ethics Class, covering topics such as his role in the Senate and his role as chairman of its Committee on Ethics and Rules. He also fielded more than a dozen wide-ranging questions from the girls. "Like you, I'm the new person on the block," said the Pittsfield native, who was age 25 when elected in 2006 to represent 48 communities in western Massachusetts. "In the Senate, there are freshmen, there are senior people, and I'm the youngest of the freshmen of the entire place."

Building trust among the Senate's other members, he said, is key to being an effective legislator. That is one reason he took the time to meet each Senate member when he was first elected. Additionally, he said, ethical lapses erode the ability to work with other legislators and the public's faith in government. "One of the most important things we're entrusted with is preserving, or enhancing, people's trust in government," he said. "When people lose that trust, they become cynical, and self-centered, and won't look to the greater good."

Questions from the girls touched on why Sen. Downing entered politics, whether he supports term limits, and if his youth poses a political hurdle for him. They also asked about gasoline prices, wind power, and his decision-making process, which he said is not a simple formula. "You find yourself pushed and pulled," he said. "The worst way is to say, ﾑThis is what the polling numbers say the people want.' I try to reach out for as many opinions on an issue as I can, because the more we learn about an issue, the easier it is to resolve our position."

Art Teacher and Horizons Advisor Ellen Joffe-Halpern invited Sen. Downing to speak to the class, which is part of a curriculum that encourages girls to develop their own values. It is designed to give the students grounding in ethical thinking so they can begin to define and test their own ethical standards while a member of the MHS community, while volunteering through Horizons during the next three years, and in the future.

According to Ms. Joffe-Halpern, Sen. Downing struck a chord with the girls, who were required to write about what they thought was the morning's most important point. The responses, she said, included several citing his comments about perseverance, youth, trust, and leadership. "What they thought was important was that he listened to others and had the confidence to do what he said," Ms. Joffe-Halpern said. "What they took away from the session was an inspiring message of how a young person can make a difference."

To learn more abut Miss Hall's School, check out: on this page

All star football Titan at Wilbraham and Monson Academy

March 12, 2008

Ian Carlin '08 to Receive Boyden Award

Bicentennial Scholar Ian Carlin has been named the recipient of the 2008 Frank L. Boyden Award, given each year to the top scholar athlete from all the western Massachusetts prep school football teams. Ian played offensive tackle and noseguard for the Titans. The award will be presented at a banquet to be held on April 8 at the University of Massachusetts Campus Center. Head Coach Jeff Vartabedian said, "I thought last year of nominating Ian for this award. He fits the description perfectly."

Ian is a seven-year senior at the Academy who has excelled academically since the sixth grade, when he earned the Eveline Barber Prize for Mathematics & Science. Since then, he had earned five more Barber Prizes, a junior book award, the George H. Hefflon Award for excellence in junior English, the Rensselaer Mathematics & Science Award, and he has been on the Highest Honors list every trimester. Ian was a junior marshall at the 2007 Commencement ceremonies and was inducted into Cum Laude as a junior. In his senior year, he took on the added responsibility of being a prefect in Rich Hall.

Ian plans to take his academic and athletic prowess to the University of Chicago next year.

To learn more about Wilbraham & Monson Academy check out: on this page

Burr and Burton Academy Presented One-Act Play Festival

March 12, 2008

Burr and Burton Academy’s Performing Arts Company presented a mini One-Act Play Festival on Friday, February 29, 2008 at 6:30 pm in the school’s Riley Center for the Arts.

The three plays included “To the Chicago Abyss” by Ray Bradbury, a pre-apocalyptic tale about an old man who remembers quantity not quality, and the power that trivial things possess; “The Empty Chair,” a socially aware comment about teens with substance abuse issues dealing with the death of their friend by Tim Kelly; and “The Sure Thing,” a contemporary comedy about two people finding their way through a conversational minefield by David Ives.

To learn more about Burr & Burton Academy and its extracurricular activities check out: on this page

Fryeburg Academy's new GYM and THEATER

March 12, 2008

The new Fryeburg Academy Fieldhouse was completed and opened in June 2007. Gratitude and appreciation goes to every person, everywhere, who helped us bring this building to reality in less than two years time - the contractors, the workers, the students, trustees, alumni, faculty, staff, families, the community and very generous donors. The school couldn't have done it without each one of them. It's been a spectacular lesson in leadership, vision and teamwork for the students.

They have now begun work on the new Performing Arts Center and hope to open it in October 2008. It will also be on Bradley Street, between the Music Building (the old girls gym) and the new fieldhouse. The official groundbreaking took place on Saturday, August 18, 2007 when Academy alum, Diane Eastman Powell '53 and her husband, Monte Powell, of Washington state, made a very generous gift towards the building which will be named after Diane's mother, also an Academy alum and devotee of the arts - The Leura Hill Eastman '27 Performing Arts Center at Fryeburg Academy.

To learn more about Fryeburg Academy and its campus check out: on this page

Cheshire Academy students at Macworld 2008

March 12, 2008

CA TEAM ATTENDS MACWORLD 2008 TO EXHIBIT "TOOBLE"

Some of the youngest exhibitors attending Macworld 2008 are a team of Cheshire Academy students who expect to demonstrate their new software program, “tooble”, to thousands of attendees at this year’s show which runs from January 14 – 18 in San Francisco, CA.

“tooble” is definitely a product for its time. With just a few clicks, it allows users to browse, search and easily download video from the phenomenally popular YouTube website to mobile media devices like the video iPod, iPhone and AppleTV. This gives users the freedom to view selected videos anywhere, anytime and as often as they want.

“tooble” began as an independent study assignment for AP computer science student Jesse Youngblood ’08 of Guilford with guidance from computer science teacher Sue Heintz. It was part of a project with Gridlock, LLC, a Wallingford-based software development firm, in researching the distribution of video via the internet to be played back on regular televisions. One of the results of the R & D was discovering a simple way to get video from the web. It was the great design and ease of use that attracted representatives from Apple, Inc. to the Cheshire Academy campus in June of 2007. After meeting with the Cheshire team, they expressed a strong interest in adding the new “tooble” application to their line of mobile media devices. But there was one catch – Cheshire had to deliver a finished, working application by the end of summer.

That was a challenge that Jesse and Ms. Heintz were eager to meet. Jesse wrote over 10,000 lines of code for the Mac OS X version while Ms. Heintz did the testing. They also needed to develop a Windows version so they added fellow AP classmates Alex Catullo ’08 of Madison, CT, Sen “Forest” Fang ’09 of Shanghai, China, and alum Praveen Savalgi ’06 of Westville, CT, to round out the team. When classes resumed in September, they asked the student body to test, and name, their new program. With over 500 submissions, they selected “tooble” from Hamilton Levy ’08 of Woodbury, CT, who won an iPod nano for his winning name.

The “tooble” Mac version is a free download at www.tooble.tv The Windows version is in development and will be available later this year.

What a great concept! To learn more about Cheshire Academy check out: on this page

Foxcroft Academy - Sport Accomplishments!

March 11, 2008

Foxcroft Academy's wrestling team repeated for the fifth consecutive year as the Eastern Maine Regional Class C Champions. The ponies placed 6 wrestlers in the final matches of the tournament held at Sereyko Gym in Howland.

FA's Clark takes State Title

Foxcroft Academy swimmer Marly Clark captured the State Championship in the 100 ydar butterfly at the championship meet held at Bowdoin College's Greason Pool.Marley shaved about 1-and-a-half seconds off her seed time in the butterfly to drop below the minute-mark (59.55). Marley also placed third in the 50 free. Later in the meet Clark and sophomore Julia Kurzius powered Foxcroft Academy squad to one its best-ever team finishes at states. Kurzius was ninth in the 200 free and eighth in the backstroke. Clark and Kurzius, plus Mariah Arno and Erin Boyer, finished third in the 400 free relay giving the Ponies’ their highest-ever finish in a relay at states.

GO PONIES!!!

Kimball Union Academy's new campus center!

March 11, 2008

Kimball Union's new Campus Center is almost done!. It broke ground in September. The centerpiece of the project is a light-filled two story atrium. The project also includes several smaller additions on the east and west side of the Dining Commons and extensive renovations to the existing building. When complete, it will provide the day student drop off area and day student lockers, and include informal gathering spaces for students to meet, enjoy small arts performances, and play games. The Assistant Head of School as well as the student life offices will be housed in the center. It will be handicap accessible via a new elevator, and will also house the student store, mailboxes, and snack bar. The outside of the building features a large terrace. A newly reworked west entrance will provide access from the quad to the student center, and will also create a natural connection from the quad through the center to the athletic center and fields.The Dining Commons will also be enhanced and a new mezzanine will overlook the Campus Center.

Check it out yourself: www.kua.org/podium

St. Johnsbury Academy changing schedule

March 11, 2008

A new St. Johnsbury Academy class day schedule, planned to debut at the start of the 2008-2009 school year, will result in greatly increased opportunities for students in academic difficulty to obtain the individualized “student-centered” help they need to succeed, Tom Lovett, the Academy’s Headmaster, said this week.

The new schedule will have five 70-minute “blocks” per day, each semester. The current schedule, which has been in place since the 2000-2001 school year, has four 80- minute blocks per day. Student course loads will remain unchanged, with seniors required to take a minimum of seven courses during the school year and all other studentstaking eight.

Required study halls, which had been eliminated when the school switched to itscurrent schedule several years ago, will be reinstated for freshmen and sophomores, as well as upperclassmen in academic or disciplinary trouble.

A major benefit of the new schedule is smaller class sizes. The new schedule will reduce the average class size from 18 to roughly 12-14. This reduction in class size is made possible by faculty picking up extra assignments enabling classroom teachers to more effectively address the needs of their students in each class.

A newly-created Center for Academic Achievement will be the centerpiece of the expanded remediation and enrichment opportunities.

Great approach to focusing on the student.Check St. Johnsbury Academy out at: on this page

Macduffie School - Sports Accomplishments!

March 11, 2008

On February 15, 2008, the MacDuffie Boys' Basketball team traveled to Amenia, NY to play in the 19th Annual Kildonan Classic Basketball Tournament. The double-elimination tournament was held over two days in which teams played a total of four games to make it to the championship game.

The team won the championship game over Harvey High School by a score of 58 to 52 with the tournament's MVP, Ebby Ezema, clinching the game with a resounding dunk. MacDuffie Sophomore Robbie Eckels made the All-Tournament team. Every member of the team made an outstanding contribution to the team's success. Coach May was very happy and wet (after some unknown person poured water over his head at the end of the championship game) at the bonding experience the team shared. Special thanks to the Serafino family for supporting the team as chaperones.

Tournament Scores:

• Game 1 MacDuffie vs. Harvey, 50-52
• Game 2 MacDuffie vs. Hoosac, 48-43
• Game 3 (Semi-final) MacDuffie vs. Loyola (Canada) 46-34
• Game 4 (Final) MacDuffie vs. Harvey, 58-52

The Girls' Varsity Basketball team also advanced to the semi-finals of the NEPSAC Championship Tournament.

To learn more about The MacDuffie School check out: on this page

You can even check out pictures from the boys' basketball team here: www.macduffie.com/Athletics/index.htm

Congratulations MacDuffie!

Montverde Academy students win academic tournament!

March 11, 2008

Academic Team Wins Lake-Sumter Championship

On Friday, February 29th, Montverde Academy proved again for the second year in a row that it has THE top Academic Team in Lake and SumterLake-Sumter Community College in Leesburg. The Varsity team competed against every team in both counties and won all eight matches by posting an 8-0 record and going undefeated. Our team’s participants were: Tom Faber, D.J. Cha, Justin Walls, Matt Grayford and Alex Synovec. counties after winning the High School Academic Tournament hosted by Montverde’s JV team captured 3rd place in the Lake-Sumter Community College’s Annual High School Academic Tournament held on the their main campus in Leesburg. Nine JV teams from both counties competed and in the JV tournament format, three teams participated in a match against each other. Montverde’s JV team included: Chris Bow, Shannon Stone, Brett Moye, James Bowles and Ron Carnevale.

To learn more about Monteverde Academy go to: on this page

Lyndon Institute hosts African Music Festival

March 11, 2008

LI Hosted Second Annual African Music Festival

Lyndon Institute continues its Visiting Artist series with it's 2nd Annual African Music Festival and Concert, from January 31 to February 1, 2008. Last year's guest artists Dana Maguire and his teacher Issa Coulibaly are returned to work and perform with LI's talented young musicians, conducting a series of workshops, master classes and rehearsals from January 31 to February 1. The Residency culminated in a public Concert of African Music performed by LI Students alongside our Guest Artists at 7:30 p.m. Friday February 1 in the Lyndon Institute Old Auditorium. Students from Lyndon Institute's culinary program provided refreshments, including samples of West African cuisine.

Dana and Issa bring around 30 traditional African Drums as well as some instruments from the Caribbean allowing this to be a very hands on experience. Rhythms are demonstrated and the students play them back with Dana and Issa coaching them. After two days of workshops and rehearsal the participants will perform in the Friday concert as well as in an All-School Assembly, kicking off African American History Month. LI sophomore Derek Piette is looking forward to this year's festival. Last year's African music workshops were very enjoyable. It gave me a better understanding of different African drumming rhythms, and introduced me to the different cultures of West Africa. Being able to work and perform with Dana and Issa will be something I will remember throughout my life.

This is Mr. Maguire's third time working with LI's students and Mr. Coulibaly's second visit. "We love coming to Lyndon Institute. Everyone here treats us so well. The students are eager and able to learn everything that we can put in front of them in the short time that we are here. It's great to see and hear them shine at the concert. They really got the crowd on its feet last year."

The LI Music Program prides itself on providing students with a diverse array of musical opportunities. Students often have the opportunity to publicly perform with guest artists. We invite local schools, home-schooling families, and the community at large to take part in these Artist Residencies.

To learn more about Lyndon Institute check out: on this page

New Schools!

March 10, 2008

The Marvelwood School in Connecticut and St. Bernard Preparatory School in Alabama have recently been added to our website. I urge you to check them out. Both of them are for great boarding schools for boys and girls with a wide array of sports and extracurricular activities.

New Partner Schools

March 5, 2008

We are working hard to partner with more boarding schools throughout the U.S. to give our students more schools to choose from. Check back for more new schools soon!