The sixth grade dissected pig hearts this week. They were amazed at the difference in the size of the muscle tissue of the different ventricles, and at the anatomy of the valves.

On moving up day, we had a wonderful hike up to the Pinnacle with the UE class of next year. Many thanks to the parents who were able to drive! The soon to be sixth grade jumped into the role of coordinating rides and planning games, and the rain held off until we returned. Meanwhile, the current sixths enjoyed a morning with the middle school.

This is a good weekend for the students to gather what they need for next week's three-day trip, on Wednesday through Friday. It is important that the students pack their own bags, so that they know what they have and where it is. Tom brought in his backpack and demonstrated proper packing technique. The packing list is going home this afternoon with the students, and was emailed to parents earlier.

The eighth graders are making the final push to graduation. They are currently involved in their apprenticeships. For six mornings each eighth grader is working in a business, school, or non-profit of their choice. Today, one student attended a house closing with his law firm mentor, another helped a veterinarian remove tumors from a dog, another played a round of golf with financial movers and shakers, and another student assisted in an art class at Academy School. This is just a sampling of the fascinating endeavors the eighth graders have embarked upon.

Along with their apprenticeship responsibilities, the eighth graders are drafting their final graduation speeches, planning that special evening, and studying for their final math exam.

While all this is going on we are in the midst of Moving Up Days. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings the sixth grade joined the seventh and began the process of building a new community. We went Upland and had fun with an observational exercise. We also welcomed some of the new members of the class who are joining us from other schools.

It has been a week of polarities - celebrating those that are leaving and building what will soon be.

Hilltop MS Southern VT Montessori Golf Champs	Next year's Middle Schoolers are introduced to Upland
Next year's Middle Schoolers are introduced to Upland	Next year's Middle Schoolers are introduced to pond play

CPR and Pediatric Frist Aid Training session at Hilltop

Saturday, July 11th, 9AM-3:30PM

Rescue, Inc. will be offering a CPR and Pediatric First Aid course for parents. The course is $40 per person. If you are interested in attending, please contact Kathryn Einig (Willow Room parent.)

"And They Lynched Him on a Tree" is a film of interviews with the white and black performers of the William Grant Still ballad of the same name. The ballad, composed in 1940, tells the story of a convicted black man who was lynched by a white mob for whom justice was too slow. The white chorus sings the part of the lynchers and the black chorus sings the parts of those lynched. Embodying the lyrics through singing brings the experience of the story (and our shared history) home in a very visceral way and forms the foundation from which the interviews were drawn. In the time between when the performance of the piece was first conceived a year ago by Cailin Manson, the choral director, and the time it was performed (Martin Luther King day this year) the endless news of police shootings colored much of what was said in the interviews. It has a dramatic arc, interspersed with rehearsal clips and final performance and has much to give us hope that further dialog might be possible. (51 minutes)

GoFundMe Campaign for Mariam a success!