November News
Innovations, Surprises, and Inconveniences 

Students in Mr. Jim Uhlig's Environmental Science class were among the 3,000 students and educators who participated in the "Day in the Life of the Hudson River" program organized annually by the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Stationed on the Newburgh waterfront, students studied the Hudson River ecosystem and observed the river's physical and chemical properties by taking water and sediment samples, catching fish, examining water chemistry, and more. A fisheries expert from the DEC was on hand to identify fish and explain what they were measuring and why it was important. Senior Kara K said, "It's fun to be out here and experience the river." Senior Emma L added, "I like this trip because the world is our classroom; you can learn anywhere." The experience of collecting information firsthand allowed students to explore how their piece of the river fits into the larger ecosystem. Alejandra R agreed, "The trip was an amazing opportunity to experience our environment and apply our knowledge outside the class and have fun at the same time. We got to fish for eels and carp, spend time with our friends, and learn about the environment and the state of the Hudson River and all the species that live there."

Each of the sixty participating sites, stretching from New York City to Troy, NY, reported their findings to the DEC, which will be posted the data online for use in classroom discussions and exercises.

 The SKS community enjoyed perfect fall weather and a stunning landscape for its October 21st and 22nd Grandparents' & Special Friends' Day and Parents' Weekend. A traditional highlight of the weekend included the Department of Performing Arts' Works in Progress presentation in Walter Reade, Jr., Theatre of skills that students had studied thus far in the school year.  

And, what a presentation it was! The Concert Chorus segment included several solo and group numbers from beginning to well-trained voices, sometimes accompanied by "show choir" animations--all well-received by the enthusiastic audience. Then, a piano solo by Bonnie J '13, a student of Artist-in-Residence Mr. Jim Rensink, engendered even louder applause.

Photo courtesy of Ken Cashman of The Cornwall Local

Eighth-grader Livi brought eight much younger students onto the stage. Leading up to the presentation, Livi had taught this group of local Cornwall elementary school students during a six-session workshop. They delighted the audience with selections of music and dance from Annie, prompting smiles, tears, and enthusiastic clapping from viewers. 

Piano instructor Mr. Martin Smith showed off the talents of his students with their "Autumn Hallows" program featuring musical "Technique, Theory, Exercise, Reading, Composition, History and Happiness." Fourteen students each performed works ranging from Pythagoras's Circle of Fifth, played by Biying H, to Aeolian Variation on Chopin's Prelude No.3, arranged by Mr. Smith and performed by Katrina W '12, and Three Reflections, written and performed by Chandler Z '14. To think that these students had prepared so much in just a few weeks was indeed commendable, and the audience again showed its approval--this time by whispering the sounds of rustling fall leaves, as suggested.

Finally, the dancers were brought on stage by their instructor Ms. Jeanette Perk. Alexa H '12 and Jon F'12 began with a sizzling tango number, followed by two lyrical performances (one group and one solo), and ending with hip hop. The audience was clearly impressed by them all! Dominique D '14 added, "Hip hop was the favorite of all of us (dancers). It was uplifting, with a fast beat. We had a great time!"

It was exciting to see so much talent, so early in the school year! The Department of Performing Arts left the audience eagerly looking forward to their spring Parents' Weekend performance.

This fall, the SKS community welcomed Mr. Taras Ferencevych to the faculty. He holds an undergraduate degree in economics and political science from Rutgers University and an MS in Outdoor Education from the Kinesiology Program at the University of New Hampshire, where he is also a doctoral candidate. In addition to teaching in the History Department, Mr. F. leads the School's new Outdoor Adventure program. The program includes both an after-school club and regular weekend activities offerings.

All SKS students are required to complete at least two outdoor experiences per year. This requirement is designed to encourage students to sample from among the rich variety of challenges offered. So far, groups have gone hiking in Black Rock Forest Preserve, Harriman State Park, and Bear Mountain Park; rock climbing in the nearby Shawangunk Mountains; kayaking on the Hudson River; and apple picking at a local orchard. In addition, there have been combined outdoor and community service activities, such as trail cleanup in Palisades Park, Black Rock trail maintenance, and kayaking/clean-up of the Hudson River after Hurricane Irene. Plans for the future include skiing/snowboard riding at West Point, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on local trails, biking, and tent camping. Mr. F is also a talented photographer as evidenced by the photos accompanying this article.

Resting on top of Anthony's Nose

Nationally ranked Frank C in competition last winter

 The Storm King School announces its 2011-2012 wrestling schedule with matches against four of the top ten prep school wrestling programs in the country. On December 2, Storm King will host western Pennsylvania powerhouse Kiski School for a rare Friday night match. Kiski finished in 6th place at the prep nationals at Lehigh University last year. The Storm King wrestlers will return the trip to Kiski on Jan. 28 to compete in the Ziegler Quad facing Kiski, Western Reserve Academy, and formidable Mercersburg Academy. On Jan 7, 2012, the team will travel to wrestling hot bed Scranton, PA, to face Wyoming Seminary, the number two prep wrestling program in America. These matches along with a strong schedule of New England matches against Loomis Chaffee, Phillips Exeter Academy, and defending New England Champion Northfield Mount Hermon plus the Canterbury Invitational and Brunswick Invitational give the Storm King Wrestlers one of the toughest schedules in the Northeast. Returning Seniors Frank C, Scott G, and Jon F will lead a vibrant group of returning freshman and sophomore wrestlers including Chandler Z who finished in 2nd place at the Eaglebrook Invitational and Anthony M and Trung N who placed in the top four at last year's Junior New England Championship. These returners plus a large influx of new talented athletes give Storm King its strongest group of wrestlers in recent years. Coaches Joseph Graziosi and Kenny O'Conner are excited about the prospects of the upcoming season.

SKS's Upcoming Production of The 30-Minute Shakespeare will feature Romeo & Juliet, Twelfth Night, and Much Ado about Nothing. All three mini-plays will be offered each of the following days: December 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, & 18 (evenings at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm).

The 30-Minute Shakespeare is a new series of abridgements by Nick Newlin that tells the "story" of each play from start to finish while keeping the beauty of Shakespeare's language intact. Please contact Anne Fulton at (845) 534-4135 or at afulton@sks.org for additional information.

The Office of Admissions cordially invites you to attend an Open House for prospective students and their families. The Open House will begin in Orr Commons at the center of The Storm King School campus.

This Open House will provide an opportunity to tour our beautiful campus. After the tour, you will see a short video about the School and participate in a discussion about the application process. There will be plenty of time to answer your questions about the School.  

Open House Schedule:
10:00   Tour of Campus
11:15     SKS Video
11:30    Overview of Application Process and General Question
                and Answer Session
12:00    Open House Concludes
 
Please contact the Office of Admissions for more information.
314 Mountain Road
Cornwall on Hudson, NY 12520
845-534-9860
admissions@sks.org

Saturday, December 3, 2011    10:00 am-12:00 pm

Saturday, January 21, 2012    10:00 am-12:00 pm       

These Open Houses start in Orr Commons in the center of The Storm King School campus.  We will start with a tour of the campus after brief welcoming remarks.  You will learn about the School and its programs.  After the tour, you will see a short video about the School and participate in a discussion about the application process.  

It is helpful if you call (845-534-9860) to register in advance.