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Southern Studies Final Projects on View in Leffler Gallery
By Dr. Sven Dubie and Ms. Jane Sidey
At the beginning of every volume of The Encyclopedia of Southern Culture there is this quotation from Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner: "Tell about the South. What's it like there. What do they do there. Why do they live there. Why do they live at all." Although technically a series of questions, the sentences read as commands where the answers are somehow expected and predicted. It might be argued that this is the way we Midwesterners approach the  South. We are curious, but at the same time, we already think we have some of the answers regarding the region known as the American South. This comes from a variety of sources such as history and English classes, pop culture, and mass media. But it is always characterized and underscored by a generalized, stereotypical notion of what life might be like in those states we classify as "southern." In this summer's Southern Studies class, co-taught by History Department Chair Sven Dubie and English Department Chair Janey Sidey, we sought to challenge such notions by revealing the complexity of the region through a variety of lenses. During two weeks of class session, followed by a week of travel, we explored the American South through interdisciplinary perspectives including historical, literary, musical, visual, cultural, and foodways. Through these lenses we asked essential questions about what is implied by the adjective "Southern" with regard to these specific disciplines, and how this "southernism" ultimately manifests itself, or not, in several cities and towns in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. Ultimately, we wanted students to think about their own connections to a particular region and ask whether the burden of their own history, the traditions of the literature, the musical trends, the familiar foods grown and consumed, and the art produced in a region can be said to be fixed markers of cultural identity which contribute to a sense of self. The work currently on display in the Leffler Gallery reflects some of the ways our students came to think about the South, grappled with the idea of the South, or were inspired to "Tell about the South" through their own experiences studying about and traveling through the region. We encourage you to visit the Gallery and look closely, think deeply and "interdisciplinarily," and if you are so moved, to share in our guestbook your responses to the students' works and how it may have moved you to modify your thinking about the South. View this video for an insder's look at the Southern Studies class.
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A Word on Wellness: Turn Distress to Good Stress
 By Phyllis Shea, School Psychologist
What is stress? The Oxford Dictionary defines the word stress as "a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances; 'he's obviously under a lot of stress'."
We are all affected by stress; it's normal to have some stress in our lives and we react to it in a variety of ways. Stress can be both "good stress" (e.g., when we feel motivated to put forth our best) and "bad stress" (e.g., when we feel overwhelmed and don't function at our best). Stress can turn into distress when we feel unable to meet the challenge. So, how do we help ourselves and our children to find ways to turn distress into good stress?
First it is important to start to recognize the symptoms of stress. These may include:
- Irritability or unusual emotionality.
- Difficulty or inability to concentrate.
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits.
- Physical symptoms: headaches or stomachaches.
- Withdrawal from activities and friends.
- Unexplained fears; regression in behavior
- Preschoolers: thumb sucking, bedwetting, clinging to parents.
- Elementary age: nightmares, school avoidance, clinginess.
- Adolescents: agitation, increase in conflicts.
How parents can help their children (and are probably currently practicing):
- Be aware of your child's behavior & emotions.
- Be available and open to talk when they are ready.
- Encourage and model good emotional expressions.
- Encourage physical activity, good nutrition and positive bedtime routines. Teach and practice breathing slowly (and into the belly).
- Contact your child's teacher with any concerns; seek the assistance of the school counselor, school psychologist, or physician if stress continues to be a concern.
More ways parents can help (and we need to be reminded periodically):
- Keep your child aware of anticipated family changes - even changes in daily routines.
- Monitor television programs that could worry your child and pay attention to ALL social media, computer games, and internet.
- Help your child select appropriate extracurricular activities and limit over-scheduling.
- Monitor your own stress level. Take care of yourself; children are very perceptive and may internalize the stress around them.
- Remind your child of his or her ability to get through tough times, particularly with the love and support of family and friends. Share experiences to let them know that they are not alone; we all go through tough times.
- Encourage your child to replace negative "red light" thoughts (e.g., "everyone is smarter or better than me," "I am going to fail") with more helpful and realistic "green light" thoughts ("I am really good at math. I need to keep practicing with my reading," "I studied and I will try my best").
Some factors that help prevent stress:
- Positive problem solving and coping skills.
- Close, supportive relationships at home and school, with peers and adults.
- Clear expectations. Consistent, positive discipline.
- Ability to express feelings appropriately.
- Permission to learn from mistakes.
- Good nutrition and regular exercise.
- Time to relax and play (recreational activities)
- Feeling physically and emotionally safe.
The American Psychological Association (APA) offer these quick, easy-to- remember tips to keep stress in check for children and adults:
- Move your body.
- Get enough shut-eye.
- Strike a balance.
- Enjoy yourself.
- Let yourself shine.
- Talk through it.
This article is adapted from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Handout Stress in Children and Adolescents: Tips for Parents. The full handout is available here.
Additional Resources:
American Psychological Association APA
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Students and Faculty in the News
* On August 22, Park Tudor senior Bosi Mosongo, junior Imani Kigamwa, and eighth-grader Jaden Seymour participated in the Center for Leadership Development's 8th Annual College Prep Conference and College Fair held at the Convention Center. Participants attended sessions matched to their grade level and stage in the journey to college. More than 1,000 students and parents from across the state were in attendance.
* Director of College Counseling Sue Stemen was recently named to the Indiana Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC) Executive Board and serves as the Chair of the Admission Practices Committee. The Committee reviews and monitors compliance with the Statement of Principles of Good Practice (SPGP) [ethical guidelines] which brings focus to principled conduct among colleges and universities, high school and independent counselors in the recruitment of students and their transition to postsecondary education. In July, Sue attended the Executive Board meeting held at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology that coincided with the Summer Institute for New [College] Admission Counselors. Senior Associate Director of College Counseling Shari Sutton was a panelist on two presentations at the conference, Amazing Journey and Expectations From The Guidance Office and Top Questions You Must Know About Your Institution.
* Shari Sutton was also featured in the "Colleague's Corner" of the summer issue of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Journal of College Admission; see it here.
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Sports News 
Football: The Panthers played a great home opener vs. the 2A No. 2 ranked Triton Central Tigers, before losing 57-42. They exhibited quite a bit of offensive power and are very exciting to watch. Catch the Panthers in action this Friday night, Sept. 4, versus Scecina at the University of Indianapolis. Game time is set for 7:00 pm.
Boys Soccer: The No. 3 ranked boys soccer team is on a three-game winning streak and are currently 5-0-1. Their most recent outing led to a win over University, and before that they nabbed a conference victory vs. Lutheran. They have continued to improve their play throughout each game and are led by a strong group of seniors. They will be in action again next Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Park Tudor vs. conference opponent Monrovia.
Volleyball: The girls volleyball team has continued to improve their game and they got their first win vs. the Trailblazers from University High School. They will be in action again this evening, Sept. 3, at Heritage Christian and again on Saturday at the North Central Invitational.
Boys Tennis: The No. 2 ranked boys tennis team is currently 6-0 and picked up a big win, defeating rival Brebeuf Jesuit last week, 4-1. They will head to Carmel next Thursday, Sept. 10, to compete in a tough matchup against the No. 1 ranked Greyhounds.
Girls Golf: The lady Panthers got their first win in a dual match vs. University, and the day before they shot their season low score of 191 in a three-way match with Pike and Broad Ripple. The team finished 2nd in the ICC tournament on Tuesday at Sarah Shank Golf Course. Their score of 389 fell just short of the top finisher, Beech Grove Hornets who shot a 386. Named to the All-Conference team were senior Ally Tambunan, sophomore Hannah Markey and freshman Alissa Honigford. The lady Panthers will be in action next in the Marion County Tournament on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Winding River.
Girls Soccer: The girls soccer team has been plagued by injuries throughout the first few weeks of the season, but they are continuing to focus on getting healthy and improving. They show great promise and potential, and you can catch them in action this Friday (Sept. 4) and Saturday (Sept. 5) at the North Central Invitational.
Cross Country: The boys and girls cross country team has competed in both the North Central Invitational and the Danville Invitational. There is strong participation this season with a good mix of both upper- and underclassmen. They will be in action and running again this weekend at the Terre Haute Invitational.
PTPanthers.org: If you're looking for the all the latest info on the Panthers, head to http://ptpanthers.org! Here you can find schedules and scores for each sport, as well as contact info for coaches and important forms. Competition results are posted daily by coaches.
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PTPA News: Learn PT History at the General Meeting on September 16
What is Debbie Everett's next BIG ADVENTURE? You may know her as the former director of the Upper School or as Director of Communications or even cheerleading sponsor. Mrs. Everett has been many things to Park Tudor. She is currently serving as Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives, but is really our biggest fan and historian. One of her strategic initiatives is to bring Park Tudor's history out of the archives and to students, parents, faculty and alumni. Now, she is bringing her knowledge to you - the parents!
Come join the Park Tudor community on Wednesday, September 16 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. in Foster Hall to hear from Debbie and enjoy a light lunch as we kick off the first PTPA General Meeting. As an alumna of Tudor Hall (Park Tudor's predecessor) and with 37 years at Park Tudor, Mrs. Everett has seen it all and lived to tell about it. Debbie's presentation on Park Tudor's history is both educational and fun. She believes that by knowing our past, we better understand and appreciate the present. Don't miss this opportunity to learn the roots of the rich traditions of Park Tudor. Why is the Park Tudor Commencement Ceremony done in such an elegant fashion? Who played basketball first - Tudor Hall or Park? This is a wonderful opportunity to come visit with other parents and gain some perspective on Park Tudor's long, rich history. Space is limited to 30 people so please RSVP to Katherine Dill, katherinedill@yahoo.com, if you plan to attend.
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Upper School Back-to-School Night TONIGHT!
Thursday, September 3
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Meet your children's teachers and hear from school administrators.
Middle School Spirit Night
Thursday, September 10
4:45 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Watch our Middle School tennis and boys and girls soccer teams take on a variety of opponents.
Celebration and Dedication of the Debbie Stuart Everett Patio
Friday, September 11
5:30 p.m.
Upper Gym Parking Lot
The new patio space is located between the Upper Gym and the tennis courts.
Please stay after the dedication event to watch the Park Tudor Panthers football team take on Southern Wells at 7:00 p.m. RSVP here.
Park Tudor Women's Network: "A Life in Music" with Dr. Marianne Williams Tobias '58
Thursday, September 24
6:00 p.m.: Reception
6:45 p.m.: Performance and Presentation
The Wood Room
The Park Tudor Women's Network is pleased to present an evening with Dr. Marianne Williams Tobias '58. Marianne will speak about her life in music and her experiences at Tudor Hall, and will perform musical selections for the group.
Beverages and hors d'oeuvres will be served. This event is sponsored by the Park Tudor Women's Network, which provides opportunities for current and former Park Tudor mothers, faculty, wives of faculty, and Park Tudor and Tudor Hall alumnae to connect with each other. RSVP here.
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It's Not Too Late to Order School Photos!
You can still order photo packages from Lifetouch online - go to mylifetouch.com and enter our Picture Day ID: SB015055Y0.
If you prefer to wait to see proofs, you will also be able to order when they arrive in a few weeks. Photo retake day will be Wednesday, October 21.
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Senior Photos are Due by November 2
Senior parents: Please submit five photos of your student by November 2. The five suggested images include: - Senior portrait (to be used in the yearbook)
- Baby picture as an infant or toddler (to be used in the yearbook)
- Elementary school-age photo (camp, sport/hobby, etc.; to be used in senior slide show)
- Family photo (to be used in senior slide show)
- Favorite fun high school photo (to be used in senior slide show)
Most students submit a formal senior photo, but a professional portrait is not required. Please upload photos to PT Photos at http://photos.parktudor.org/dropbox Be sure to include your name in the "Note to Site Owner" section so your child may be easily identified. The senior photo storage area is private and cannot seen by the public. Digital images (.jpg or .tiff format) should be at least 300 dpi resolution or higher, at a minimum dimension size of 3" x 3". The photo may be larger in size and either horizontal or vertical. You can also email digital photos (.jpg or .tiff) to Shirley Gaughan (sgaughan@parktudor.org). Clearly identified photo prints, digital photos on CDs, flash media or actual photos may be brought to to Mrs. Sharon Riddle in the Upper School. The photos will be scanned and returned to your student.
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PT Photos
Don't forget to check out PT Photos throughout the year for photos of events. You can also follow PT on Facebook and Instagram.
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Park Tudor School Mission
To create an inspiring college-preparatory learning environment, with exceptional educators and extraordinary opportunities, that prepares and motivates students to become balanced, confident, and resourceful lifelong learners.
Editor: Cathy Chapelle '87
Editorial Staff: Emily Groves '93, Cassie Dull
Graphic Design & Layout: Stefanie Dean '05
The deadline for submissions to the Times is Monday at 9 a.m. for publication on Thursday. Because of the volume of submissions, we cannot guarantee publication in the same week, but date-sensitive information will receive priority. |
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