THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL WEDNESDAY NOTICE

   November 20, 2013



GREETINGS FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL   

 

Hallelujah! A recent blog from Head of School Dan Marchetti

 

In striving to evaluate the effectiveness of a school, or to judge the lasting outcomes of an education, many experts turn, almost exclusively, to demonstrable metrics, numbers that justify their programs, efforts, and expenditures. I agree in so many ways that data can drive us to find the best pedagogy, create programs that reach a wide variety of learning styles, and significantly increase efficiencies in our approach to teaching and learning. And yet, we owe it to our students to distinguish the balance between training and creativity, and skills acquisition and quality of life, so that we can include elements of each in a comprehensive education.

 

There are so many intangibles that added together create the culture of kindness inherent in a TGS education, and that build the confidence and esteem of our graduates, that allow them both to develop material skills and to find success in all mediums. One example of this intangible emphasis hit me like a meteorite as I recently walked to my satellite office in the upper school. When I left my primary office, I had no clue I would walk into an epiphany that would shape my ability to understand the unique and complex value of a TGS education!

 

As I neared the Upper School, I noticed that the seventh and eighth graders had exited the building. At first, given the brisk temperature, I assumed it was for PSD or perhaps a fire drill. When I glimpsed the tee-shirted silhouette of Jared Stolper, I realized something else was afoot. As Jared saw me, he said, "Aha! Class, let's sing it for Dan." Sensing that something definitive was about to occur, I whipped out my iPhone and captured what for me became a defining moment in the TGS experience.

 

Now, forgive the grainy footage, the poor vocal mixing, and the shaky hand. At the heart of what you witness in the video is the fact that a group of seventh and eighth grade boys and girls sang a hauntingly beautiful version of "Hallelujah" at Jared's spontaneous suggestion. There were no smirks, no askance or sardonic glances, as popular media falsely would lead us to anticipate from young teenagers. Instead, our students, your children, demonstrated their confident voices as they sang, in compelling harmony together, a song that touches hearts of all ages.

 

The harmony that our oldest students demonstrate here manifests itself in so many ways throughout the day at TGS. Our initiatives, from workjobs to our buddy program, our culture of kindness, and emphasis on developing moral, ethical leaders, ring throughout our hallways. While I was lucky enough to witness this one overt demonstration of the power of our community, we all know that there are countless examples of this throughout each day at TGS, from our preschool to our eighth grade.

 

We are the area leader for elementary and middle school progressive education, where kids are nurtured yet pushed, and genuinely supported in their path to academic and social self-discovery. I could not be happier to call TGS home and am reminded each day of the value of TGS in our community and our world.

 

Sincerely,


Dan

Dan Marchetti
 

Head of School  

ALL SCHOOL HOT LUNCH DAYS - THIS FRIDAY WILL BE PESTO PASTA $5! The hot lunches have been such a big hit we will be continuing into December, with December 6th being Nacho day and the 13th being build your own burrito day! December lunches will be $6 each to benefit the 8th grade trip to Ecuador! Thank you!

YOUNG WRITERS PROJECT PIZZA PARTY NOV. 21 
Young Writers Project will be at TGS Thursday from 5:30-7:30! The Young Writers Project is trying to expand its presence in Southern Vermont, and as part of this effort is holding a Poetry Reading, Podcasting, and Pizza Party for any child (TGS or other) who is interested in writing.   
There will be an open mic for the kids to read their poetry, and a separate room with recording equipment so readers can be recorded for consideration for future broadcast on VPR, VPR.net and/or Vermontdigger.net. If your child likes to perform or write, this will be a fun event. And if they just want to come hear other children read their poetry, they are welcome to be audience members!

If your child is interested in participating, please email Clare Mundell at [email protected].

SPORTS
First BKL Fun Dryland Practice at TGS this afternoon!

PLEASE RETURN ALL SOCCER AND XC RUNNING JERSEYS TO MARY'S OFFICE! Thanks, Mary
  • Nov 20 3:15-4:30pm: Dryland Training (for returning skiers and all comers) at TGS.
  • Dec. 6 3:15-4:30pm: Ski/Skate sale at TGS - donations needed! Please check with Mary or Deb.
  • Dec. 9 3:15-4:30 Putney Bill Koch Ski League sign up/uniform and rental equipment pick up at TGS  

See the sports page for more information.   

Please bring equipment and clean clothing for the ski/skate sale to TGS after Thanksgiving. Mark items with last name and percentage you want/percentage to donate to TGS. Questions? Contact Deb or Mary.   

 

PUTNEY CENTRAL IS LOOKING FOR 6TH - 8TH GRADE GIRL AND BOY BASKET BALL PLAYERS!
Mon-Thurs  Girls - practice 3-4:30. Boys - practice 4-5:50 at the Putney Central School. TGS bus will drop the kids off if they are interested. Call Jack Millerick today 802-490-0779.

PUTNEY FAMILY SERVICES - IT IS NOVEMBER, A NEW MONTH AND A NEW CLASS TO HEAD COLLECTION FOR THE PUTNEY FOOD SHELF: LAURIE AND HER 8TH GRADERS ARE IN CHARGE OF THIS MONTH'S DONATIONS. PLEASE BRING ITEMS TO BOX OUTSIDE THE 8TH GRADE HOMEROOM OR TO BOX OUTSIDE TAMMY'S OFFICE. 
Many, MANY thanks! 

  

UPDATE: The Power of Discovery - An After School STEM Program at TGS

SESSION II: The Power of Discovery @ TGS

 

We are thrilled to announce our first club for children in grades K-1! 

Story and Craft Time

Thursdays: 3:30-4:30 (3-3:30-snack time!)

8 Week: Jan 9-Feb 28

Tuition: $120

 More info  

 Sign up

 

Also, there is still room available in the following clubs:

Kids Science Club (grades 2-4)

  

Kids Design and Craft Club (grades 2-4)
Taught by the famous Ann-Michelle. Need we say more?

 

Future Problem Solvers (grades 6-8)

  

Math Olympiads

  

Chess (grades 4-8)

  

Visit the TGS website for more info and registration forms.

   
Contact Suzanne Rubinstein or David Hull for more information.Click here for a comprehensive listing of clubs and links to registration forms. 

 

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION - Box Tops Marketplace

The holidays are upon us!  f you plan to do any shopping online this season, please consider using the Box Tops for Education Marketplace. Once you register, you can shop for all kinds of items on the site, which operates like Amazon.com. For each purchase you make, up to 15% of the money you spend is donated to the school! Free money for TGS! To register, go to 
http://www.boxtops4education.com/marketplace/browsestores

Thanks to everyone who donated box tops for the fall submission. We earned $35 for the school! Keep clipping (and ripping -- box tops don't have to be cut to size), and place your box tops in the container in the entryway.  Ask for help from grandparents, too!  If you have questions, please contact Clare Mundell at [email protected].
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CALENDAR

NOVEMBER   

20 BKL Dryland Training 3:15-4:30pm

27-29 Thanksgiving Break

DECEMBER
2 Inservice - NO SCHOOL

6 Ski Skate Sale 3:15-5pm

Community Tree Lighting at Landmark College 5:00pm
9 BKL sign up/uniform and rental equipment pick up at TGS 3:15-4:30pm
COMMUNITY NEWS

WWCC SOUP SALE: Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30 11-4

In conjunction with the Putney Craft Tour, The Women's Fellowship of the

Westminster West Congregational Church is holding a fundraiser to raise money for families in need. Take a break from the craft tour and come join us for a wonderful meal of homemade soup and bread. If you are willing to donate a soup, bread, or dessert contact:

Kathy Richardson [email protected] (387-4014)

 

PUTNEY CRAFT TOUR November 29, 30, and December 1 - 10am-5pm

www.putneycrafts.com  

 

NEYT LOOKING FOR ACTORS

New England Youth Theater is looking for 9 more children ages 9-12 to act in Treasure Island! Please check with NEYT for more information about upcoming auditions.

 

LAURA ZINDEL DESIGN Annual Holiday Seconds Sale
Saturday December 14, 201310-5pm
22 Brown Court #120
Brattleboro, VT 05301


YOUNG SHAKESPEARE PLAYERS
Suzanne Rubinstein would like to invite everyone to Macbeth, performed by the Young Shakespeare Players. Performances are at Hooker Dunham Theater, 139 Main St, Brattleboro, VT on Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8 at 11am and 6pm. If you would like to catch all the TGS kids involved (three Rubinsteins and Roselle), the best performances would be:
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6pm
Sunday, Dec 8 at 11am

Performances are free! The play runs approx. three hours, with two intermissions (delicious concessions available).  

Macbeth, of course, is a tragedy.  The themes (and length of the play) may or may not be appropriate for all children (murder, witches, ghosts, more murder, bloody ghosts, etc...).  However, the play is performed by young people ages 7-18 who are thoroughly enjoying the material, language, humanity of the play. Just a heads up!

At YSP young people perform original works of Shakespeare, unedited!  They do so with full understanding thanks to a wonderful process developed by the founders, Richard and Anne DiPrima.  There are no auditions or rejections, every young person receives challenging (multiple) roles, every YSP actor takes on every aspect of a production (acting, directing, tech jobs), there are two casts.  The actors have been working on this project for 11 weeks (8-9 hours per week together, and countless hours at home). Their hard work and dedication to this production is impressive and inspirational!

To learn more about YSP, visit the website: www.youngshakespeareplayers.org. Hope you can make it!  

MAIN STREET ARTS in Saxtons River, VT  is offering several new classes from hula-hooping to conversational Spanish. Check them out online at www.mainstreetarts.org 

MUSIC LESSONSJared Stolper, who teaches music here at TGS, is giving private lessons on either the guitar, the banjo, or the ukelele. He works with ages grade four and up. If you are interested, you can reach Jared at 603-756-4010.
  
VINYASA YOGA AT TGS - Mondays 4:45-6:00pm in the auditorium - $14 drop-in, $60 for 5-class card, $100 for 10-class card. Please bring a yoga mat. 
     
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