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A weekly newsletter from Park Tudor School
September 17, 2015
In This Issue
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New Patio Dedicated in Honor of 
Debbie Stuart Everett

An enthusiastic crowd of students, parents, faculty, alumni, classmates, friends and family gathered to dedicate the new Debbie Stuart Everett Patio on Friday, September 11. Dr. Miller welcomed the crowd and noted Debbie's innumerable contributions to Tudor Hall and Park Tudor, which will continue as Debbie stays on at Park Tudor to coordinate a variety of strategic initiatives. President of the board, Rob Brown '79, talked about the sense of history that Debbie brings to the school, and remarked that Debbie has truly helped to make Park Tudor what it is today. Kishan Shah '10 spoke on behalf of the alumni, and emphasized Debbie's commitment to students, sense of fun, and courage in always doing what is best for the school.

In her remarks, Debbie noted that while many things have changed during her years at Park Tudor, the sense of family and community remains the same. The new patio is emblematic of that sense of community, and has already become a gathering place for students and faculty, with its excellent vantage point near the tennis courts. We invite you to visit the patio when you come to campus!



Visitors from Uruguay are Here!

The Lower School welcomed our annual visitors from Uruguay on Monday, September 14. They will be with us until next Friday, September 25.

During their visit, they will attend classes in the Lower School and visit Indianapolis landmarks like the Motor Speedway, Conner Prairie, Eagle Creek Park, and the Indianapolis Zoo.

Thank you to the Moorehead, Bramhill, Smith, Killacky, Barham, Burlison, Dill, Lei Han, Zafar, Skelton, and Branson families for graciously hosting our guests. 
A Word on Wellness: What Causes Children to Thrive?

By Joan Grinkmeyer, Upper School Counselor

Last week, Lower School Counselor Patti Duckworth discussed The Search Institute's research on asset-building in children. The Institute has also done extensive research as to what causes children to thrive.

"Search Institute research shows that kids who thrive have two important supports: knowledge of what their sparks are and adults who support the development of those sparks. Creative arts, athletics, and learning are the top interests that kids identify as their personal sparks. Other activities like reading, volunteering, nature, and spirituality also spark kids' passions. Research also shows, however, that too many kids don't get the care and attention necessary to help them identify and nurture their sparks. What's so important about that? Lots. Kids who know and develop their Sparks - and who have adults in their lives to help - have higher grades, better school attendance and physical health, empathy and social competence, concern for the environment, and a desire to help others and a sense of purpose."

Beginning at the Freshman Retreat, every student is asked the "seven essential questions" to begin the four-year mentoring relationship between themselves and their adult homeroom advisor:
*  What is your spark?
*  When and where do you live your spark?
*  Who knows about your spark?
*  Who helps feed your spark?
*  What gets in your way of pursuing your spark?
*  How will you use your spark to pursue your vision for your future?
*  How can I, as your advisor, help? 

Besides being the start of great conversations, finding out about natural talents and interests is a great way to frame a path towards accomplishing long-term goals.
 
In a recent article in TIME magazine (8/3/2015), Search Institute CEO Kent Pekel said, "Children have to feel they have a voice, that they have age-appropriate autonomy and agency. This allows them to find their own spark. You want to put them on a path to thrive." 
 
Resources for more information:
Search Institute website: The site has abundant resources for parents, including a bi-weekly newsletter called "Everyday Parenting Ideas". 

parentfurther.com resources provides more tips and resources for parents 

This Week is WaterWeek in the Middle School

Middle School students are in the midst of their second annual WaterWeek, in support of Project:Well. Joining forces with an organization called Charity:Water, the Middle School has once again committed to funding a well project in a developing nation. Through Project:Well, we seek to educate our students about a serious global issue and help them develop a greater appreciation for everyday resources. Last year, the incredible effort of our Middle School students resulted in our ability to fully fund a well project in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. Watch this video to learn more about last year's project. 
 
Each day during WaterWeek, students will learn more about water through classroom lessons and activities. On Wednesday, the Middle School hosted a guest speaker from Charity:Water to help the students learn more about the organization and its mission. Wednesday was also Dry Day, with water and facilities in the Middle School not available for use. Students and faculty used the bathroom facilities and water fountains in the gym, and students were asked to carry two one-gallon milk jugs filled with water when walking to the gym. The milk jugs are representative of the much heavier jerry cans that are carried several miles daily to retrieve water in many developing nations. 

As a part of the students' efforts, water bottles have been for sale at Mr. Curry's desk throughout WaterWeek; they are being sold for $1, but we will accept any increment up to $5. In addition, each grade level will join together to participate in one fundraising project as their class contribution to Project:Well. We will keep you informed as these projects progress. As our students learned last year, a well does not simply improve the lives of those who receive it; a well is life-changing. Together, we can continue to have an impact on a global issue. 
Students and Faculty in the News

* Sophomore Carter Miller traveled to Nepal in June to provide aid following the earthquake. Along with his father, Jay Miller, and a local area climber, Carter worked with a group of Sherpas to attain donations of aid and supplies for the remote and hard-hit areas of Nepal. Carter worked for weeks packing gear, labeling items and creating an organized spreadsheet of supplies. They hauled 47 bags on United Airlines (each weighing 70 pounds) filled with tents, tarps, medical supplies, solar lighting and sleeping bags. They could not send these bags due to Nepal taxing all aid coming into the country at 46%. They personally delivered these relief items to the sherpas in Langtang region north of Kathmandu after flying in as an "expedition" through India and landing in Kathmandu.

They were also able to personally deliver the medical supplies by helicopter to the Khunde hospital, which is located in the Everest region. The flight was a highlight of the trip, and they flew directly over Everest base camp, feeling the effects of hypoxia. They were able to tour Kathmandu and areas nearby that had been completely devastated and also feel a small aftershock. Carter was very moved by the Nepali people, that although this earthquake has taken such a physical toll on the people and destroyed many areas in and around Kathmandu, the people still have a sense of humor and a resilient can-do attitude. He continues to be part of helping Nepal in its relief through a local fundraiser in Indy in October. 

* This summer, for the second year running, Upper School Fine Arts teacher Laura Schroeder was awarded first place in Painting in the Professional Fine Arts Division at the Indiana State Fair. She also entered the Indianapolis Arts Council's "High Art" competition, and her work will be featured on billboards around town through next summer. Find out more and vote for the People's Choice Award through September 18. The image on Laura's billboard is a detail of an artist's book Laura made in a workshop in June with artist and bookbinder Bonnie Stahlecker. Laura also attended the Art Education Association of Indiana's annual retreat at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, and, thanks to a Park Tudor Professional Development grant, an AP Art History Institute at Northwestern University. She reports that she had a fantastic summer of learning, and is enjoying sharing new knowledge and techniques with her students.

"22nd & Avondale" by Laura Schroeder

Sports News
Park Tudor Panthers
Varsity Football: The Panthers suffered a tough loss to 1A No. 9 ranked Southern Wells at home last Friday night, 40-28. They will travel to take on conference opponent Lutheran this Friday night (9/18) at 7:00 before they return home for Homecoming to take on South Decatur on September 25 at 7:00.
 
Boys Soccer: The No. 3 ranked boys soccer team finished second in the Westfield Invitational this past Saturday and are currently 8-2-1. They face conference opponents Beech Grove and Cardinal Ritter this week. Senior night is set for September 24, when the boys will take on the Trojans from Chatard, so come out and support your Panthers!
 
Volleyball: The lady Panthers have had to struggle through a few injuries, but have continued to focus on improving as a team. They will be in action this evening (9/17) at home versus the Orioles from the Indiana Deaf School; game time is set for 5:30.
 
Boys Tennis: The No. 3 ranked boys tennis team is currently 7-2, with their only losses coming from No. 2 Carmel (5-0) and No. 1 North Central (3-2). Senior night is set for this evening (9/17) at 5:00 p.m. vs. the Eagles from Heritage Christian. They will then host the ICC conference tournament on Saturday (9/19) with a start time of 9:00 a.m.
 
Girls Golf: The lady Panthers finished second in the ICC conference tourney at Sarah Shank, just 2 strokes short of Beech Grove, who finished first. Three girls were named to the all-conference team: Alissa Honigford, Hannah Markey and Ally Tambunan. Hannah Markey has also been named to the 2015 Marion County Girls Golf Team. With sectionals right around the corner, the girls are looking to put together a strong run in the post season.
 
Girls Soccer: The girls soccer team has struggled to get healthy throughout the season, but they got a big win against conference opponent Monrovia this past Monday night. They are now 2-2 in conference play and will take on conference foe Lutheran this Saturday (9/19), at PT. Game time is set for 10:00 a.m.
 
Cross Country: The boys and girls cross country team will be in action this Saturday (9/19) at the FlashRocks Invitational at Northview Christian Church, start time is 9:00 a.m. There will be various races throughout the morning, so please come out and support our Panther runners. They will then travel to Culver Academy next Saturday (9/26) for the Culver Academies Invitational.
Want an Updated Directory? Download the PT Advantage App

While we work diligently to make sure contact information for all families is up-to-date in our printed directory, invariably we have students who enroll or families that move after the directory has gone to print. For the most updated directory, and other great benefits, download the PT Advantage App. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices; it's simple to install and use:

1. Download the app in the Google Play store or Apple App Store, or search for "Senior Systems Advantage."

2. Open the app and enter Park Tudor's school codePTS7200.
(Every time you open the app, you will return to this screen. You will not have to re-enter the school code each time. It is saved.)
PT Directory App Login Screen

3. Log in with your My Backpack username and password. You can check
the "Remember Me" box so that you don't have to sign in each time.

PT Directory App 4. Search the Directory
» Tap the Directory tab at the bottom. You can search by a student's or parent's name, or select a school division, grade level or homeroom for a list of families matching that criteria.
» In the list, tap a name to see detailed info.
» Family contact info (address, phone numbers, email addresses) can be found by tapping on a parent's name.
» Tapping a phone number or email address will start a phone call or email to that person.

In addition to the directory, you can also access your student's schedule, attendance and account balance via the app.

If you need assistance logging in or using the app, please contact the Park Tudor Support Desk at support@parktudor.org or 415-2710. Parents should update their contact information for the directory by logging in to My Backpack and clicking "Biography."
October 1 - Fine Arts Guild Open House

Park Tudor parents are cordially invited to attend the Fine Arts Guild Open House on Thursday, October 1 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Foster Hall.
 
Get acquainted with what the Park Tudor Fine Arts community has to offer, and learn about opportunities for students, parent involvement, and the value of Fine Arts in an interdisciplinary education - from Lower School through Upper School.
 
This is a great opportunity to meet and mingle with Fine Arts faculty and Fine Arts Guild members, and ask questions you may have regarding programs. For example, how do Fine Arts fit into my child's development and education? What are time commitments? How do PT alumni leverage their fine arts education? How can I support the Fine Arts?
 
Food, refreshments, student-provided music, and art will be on display!
Other Upcoming Events

Upper School Fathers' Morning - TOMORROW!
Friday, September 18
7:55 - 11:45 a.m.
Fathers and special friends are invited to join their Upper School students and experience a morning of classes.

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.
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. 
 
Please contact Shirley Gaughan (317-415-2713, sgaughan@parktudor.org) with questions.
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
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: 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.