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Dear St. Andrew's Families, Robert Evans, a psychologist and school consultant, writes in the Fall 2013 issue of Independent School Magazine that sch
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Dear St. Andrew's Families,
Robert Evans, a psychologist and school consultant, writes in the Fall 2013 issue of Independent School Magazine that schools are facing an “Accountability Dilemma.” Evans defines this as “the challenge of assessing and conveying the performance of the school and its teachers.” I was inspired to take on that challenge, in my own way, after sitting in Emily Pressman’s remarkable U.S. History 3/4 class on Tuesday.
Emily’s group of III Formers had spent the previous two weeks analyzing the Constitution and the last several days preparing for a debate on the resolution that the Constitution “was a work of genius put together by wise, humane founding fathers, who created a legal framework for democracy and equality.” The debate focused on issues of slavery, the Electoral College, Congressional powers, and several other topics that students handled beautifully. Science teacher John Burk was in attendance taking notes, eager to watch the students perform and learn from Emily. Emily also included senior Lucy Slack, now a seasoned veteran of these sorts of intellectual exercises, to judge and offer her own insight on student performances. |
Emily expected the students to stand when speaking, listen when not, and respond thoughtfully when the opportunity presented itself. They complimented their adversaries on strong points before deftly offering equally strong replies. There were several metamorphoses when calm confidence emerged from nervous energy. It was an inspiring session conducted by a passionate master teacher. I left feeling like I had watched students earn a 5-0 victory over a conference foe after weeks of practice.
There will be many opportunities for families to assess (or enjoy) the work of the School this weekend during events and conferences, and the many moments in between. Evans is right. It is a challenge to fully convey the large and small moments that make up the St. Andrew's experience, but it is one we take on with joy and appreciation.
See you soon,
Will Robinson ‘97
Communications |
Parents Weekend Schedule (abbreviated)
Please click here for the full Parents Weekend schedule.
Friday, October 18
6:30 p.m. — Registration, O’Brien Arts Center Foyer
7:00 p.m. — Orchestra, Engelhard Hall
8:15 p.m. — A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Forbes Theater
Saturday, October 19
8:00–10:45 a.m. — Parent/Teacher Conferences at Designated Locations
11:00 a.m. Welcome and Remarks from Headmaster Tad Roach, Engelhard Hall
12:00 p.m. — Service trip info sessions (Haiti, Nicaragua, Israel), O'Brien Arts Center
1:00 p.m. — Athletic contests
4:15–6:15 p.m. — Parent/Teacher Conferences at Designated Locations
7:00–7:45 p.m. — Jazz Ensemble, Engelhard Hall
8:15 p.m. — A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Forbes Theater
Sunday, October 20
9:15 a.m. — Chapel Service in A. Felix duPont Jr. Chapel, Founders Hall
10:45–11:45 a.m. — Choral and Dance Performances, Engelhard Hall
1:00 p.m. — Mr. Varo L. Duffins, Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid at Franklin & Marshall College, will offer a workshop for parents, 9th to 12th grades.
All interested parents invited, Engelhard Hall
1:00–3:30 p.m. — Parent/Teacher Conferences at Designated Locations |
Wednesday Night Chapel + Cross Country
Registrar Cynthia Poach shared her story of needing to climb metaphorical walls since she was a little girl during Wednesday Night Chapel last week. She said that sometimes you will meet walls that will seem insurmountable, but you have to keep climbing. Students met her inspiring story with heartfelt applause and appreciation.
Two days later, Lousia Belk '16 scorched the field at the wet and hilly University of Delaware Cross Country Invitational in a time of 19:03. Her performance earned her recognition as the Wilmington News Journal's Athlete of the Week. How did she explain her thought process after the race? “Where there’s a wall, climb it and you’ll go on the other side." You can watch Louisa's full interview here. |
In the Classroom
A proud teacher and her student. Elizabeth McGiff congratulates Grayson Ahl '15 on his Onggi pot this morning. Ceramics Today asserts that the Korean "techniques and methods used to make the large pots are virtually unknown in the West."
As the only student in Ceramics 2, Grayson has spent almost twenty hours on the pot under Elizabeth's guidance. The pot will now dry for a month before Grayson glazes and fires it. |
All The News That's Fit To Print
The Cardinal, the longstanding St. Andrew's student newspaper, is off to a flying start this year under the direction of Sam Fox '14, Elsa McLean '14 and Alex McIlvaine '14. Please look out for copies of the October issues around campus this weekend. You can also find a sneak preview on the library's website. |
A Faculty Kitchen
Faculty homes are an important part of student life at St. Andrew's. Faculty like Carol Ann Pala and Peter McLean keep their refrigerator and pantry stocked in case one, or two, or a gaggle of students decide to stop by. Diana and John Burk also hosted students for a United Noshes dinner on Saturday with a menu of Afghan delicacies. If you need a break during this weekend's, festivities just ask a teacher. You may soon find yourself relaxing on a couch enjoying some snacks. |
Congratulations
Stacey Duprey shared this photo of Uche Amakiri '16, Carter Douglas '15, and Wit Keating '16 after their Confirmation at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Middletown. Special thanks to Nathan Costa for making the opportunity available for students interested in pursuing the sacrament. |
Alumni Arts Festival — November 8-9, 2013
The Warner Gallery is now featuring the work of more than 25 alumni artists in anticipation for the upcoming Alumni Arts Festival November 8-9. We hope you join us for what promises to be one of the most inspiring weekends of the year. Please visit our website for more information. |
A St. Andrew's Moment
An impromptu dance party on Hillier last night couldn't pull Russell Xu '17 away from practicing "Amazing Grace" on his guitar. Russell decided to learn the instrument this year after spending much of his life playing the accordion. Russell also reviewed Irving Stone's Lust for Life for the Irene duPont Library this week. You can read his take on the novel based on the life of Vincent Van Gogh on the library website. |
▪ October 21 — Headmaster's Forum on Government Spending
▪ October 24 — Special School Meeting with Delaware Governor Jack Markell
▪ November 8 — Haroldson Master Class and Concert, Cypress String Quartet
▪ November 8-9 — Alumni Arts Festival, Homecoming
▪ November 23 — V Form College Day (details)
Full School Calendar — Athletics Calendar |
Bonus Photo I
The cast of A Midsummer Night's Dream gathers after Wednesday's rehearsal to self-critique before this weekend's shows. |
Bonus Photo II
Grayson Ahl '15, Brian Peart '14, and Jordan Bonner '15 share their participation in Spirit Day during School Meeting this week. The boys joined millions around the world in wearing purple in a stand against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. |
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