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By Joseph Fumusa, Upper School Social Studies Teacher; Associate Director of College Counseling
Political debate is alive and well in the Upper School at Park Tudor! From the controversies surrounding presidential candidates on both sides of the aisle, to the issues surrounding ISIS, immigration reform and securing the US border, to jobs, wages, and gender and marriage equality, Park Tudor students have been very actively engaged in a number of activities this fall to read and discuss their ideas with each other. While they certainly do not agree on either the precise problems of our country or their solutions, our students are enthralled with the debate! The Young Republicans, Contemporary Legal Issues and Politics, and Young Democrats Clubs have not only met on a regular basis to pursue their respective political interests, but have also teamed together to watch the presidential debates in the Wood Room and the Lecture Hall. In addition, a number of students love attending the meetings of at least two - and in some cases even all three - groups. The result has been a plethora of discussions that have now woven themselves into the fabric of our daily life at PT. Whether in the senior corner, in the hallways and classrooms, or in the seminar room, students are sharing political news from social media to online newspapers and cable television. They critique the media, pundits of all stripes, and one another as they grapple with their own identity and priorities for America. As we look toward the second semester, these groups are formulating a vision to inspire the entire campus to grow intellectually and politically, and to act. They will not only watch primaries together, but plans are in the works to collectively offer forums of debate, help register voters, bring politicians to campus to speak, and find places of philanthropic and civic engagement. The old adage that all politics are local is very important in the minds of these political enthusiasts, and they clearly want to help improve the city of Indianapolis. The Greek Philosopher Plato in his Academy created scholars, statesmen/women, and those who deeply cared to solve problems, and Park Tudor is following his lead. Bravo!
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Please Complete the Parent "Likelihood to Recommend" Survey
Thank you to all who have completed the INDEX Parent "Likelihood to Recommend" Survey. If you've not yet completed the survey, here is the link:
Please complete the anonymous survey by Friday, November 13. Please note that if you are viewing the survey on a smartphone, the entire 10-point scale might not be visible. Scroll over to view the full rating scale.
Our school is a member of INDEX, a benchmarking group of 50 day schools across the country that are similar in mission, size and other characteristics. INDEX provides its member schools with benchmarking data, comparative research, and information to aid in planning and decision-making. It is an invaluable resource for our school.
More than 20 INDEX schools are participating in this pilot program to benchmark parent likelihood to recommend; this methodology has been widely used and has the advantage of being succinct, clear and concise. We are hopeful to have a strong survey response rate so that our data is as robust as possible. We selected this survey format for that very reason and hope that it provides maximum feedback with a minimum of effort on your part.
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A Word on Wellness: A Lesson in Thanks
 By Phyllis Shea, Ed.S., ABSNP, NCSP, School Psychologist
As we enter into this season of Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on the benefits of gratitude or appreciation.
Many leading experts in the field of gratitude and education note that becoming a grateful individual takes effort and practice but the results can greatly boost health and happiness. Grateful people will have fewer stress-related illnesses, be more physically fit, and have lowered blood pressure. Grateful students are more likely to get better grades. Overall, positive emotions can add up to 7 years to a lifespan. Think of how much stuffing and pumpkin pie we can consume in all of our extra years!
In one research study, Dr. Jeffrey Froh and Dr. Robert Emmons followed 221 middle school students for five weeks. The results were clear: higher levels of optimism, increased life satisfaction, and decreased negative feelings were all associated with students' expressions of gratitude. Expressing gratitude was associated with appreciating close relationships, and feeling better about life and school.
So, as we spend more time with family and friends this season, here are several research-tested "gratitude" lessons. I encourage you to not only complete these on your own but also as a family.
1. Write a thank you letter to a family member or some important person in your life.
2. Keep a gratitude journal - keeping a list of things for which you are grateful. It will help you focus on the positive things in your life.
3. Savor - take time to smell the roses. Notice beauty and pleasures in your life every day.
4. Share at least one thing that you are grateful for every night at dinner.
And thank you for reading the Word on Wellness articles and watching the video clips provided. I, personally am very grateful for the opportunity to share ideas with all of you.
Additional Resources: Videos/Podcasts
At the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Dr. Andrea Hussong explores the role that parents can play in fostering the development of children's gratitude.
Dr. Christine Carter's three favorite family gratitude practices.
Additional Resources: Articles/ Books
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Connecting Classroom, Campus and Community: Youth Philanthropy in 5th Grade
 By Cammy Dubie, Fifth Grade Science Teacher
For many years, it has been a tradition at Park Tudor for fifth graders, as leaders of the Lower School, to organize and run an annual charitable "garage sale" for their younger peers in early December. The Garage Sale is a significant milestone for fifth graders, who are entering early adolescence and have begun to outgrow some of their childhood toys and books. The Garage Sale gives them the opportunity to share beloved toys, books and games with the other Lower School students. They approach the Garage Sale with great energy - displaying their sales savvy and working to raise a significant amount of money to donate to a worthy cause.
What is especially powerful for these 5th graders is the responsibility of deciding how and where the money they earn is donated. As children reach ages ten or eleven, they begin to see the world more expansively and want to have impact on their community.
With this in mind, over the past few years the fifth grade teaching team has developed a more intentional approach to teaching our students about philanthropy. We emphasize that philanthropy means "giving of one's time, talent and treasure," and it is an essential way to build community and promote the common good. It is also something that comes naturally to many young people. A 2013 study conducted by the Women's Philanthropy Institute (WPI) at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy found that 90% of youth (age 8-19) give to charity at least once in a year. The study found the most effective way for parents to encourage children's philanthropic mindset is to both role model giving and to discuss values around giving.
Taking a similar approach in the classroom in what is now called the Fifth Grade Philanthropy Project, we split the homerooms into teams after the Garage Sale, and they have the opportunity to research local organizations and discuss what causes they value in the following areas: Environment and Animals; Homelessness and Hunger; Education; and Health & Wellness. On the final day of school before we leave for winter break, each team gives a presentation about their local organization to the entire class. The fifth graders then vote to determine what four or five local non-profit organizations will receive a share of the proceeds from the Garage Sale.
As part of the process, student teams write personal letters to each of the organizations that are selected to receive funds. For example, last year the fifth graders gave donations to Thrive 360, Indy Reads, Alliance for Pet Ownership, Indianapolis Humane Society, and Indiana Children's Wish Fund. They also reserved money to fund supplies for their class to make fleece capes - with the guidance of Park Tudor seniors - for patients at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital as part of the Capes for Kids Project.
In the end, the Garage Sale opens fifth graders' eyes to the many hard-working local organizations that are committed to making an impact on the greater Indianapolis community. In the process, we hope this experience also sparks a lifelong interest and awareness about the role and value of philanthropy.
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30-Day Coding Challenge is Underway in the Lower School
Two Park Tudor fifth grade classes have designed a 30-day Coding Challenge, which began on Monday, November 2. The students kicked off the challenge to students in SK-Grade 5 during a special assembly, and are working on various coding activities for Lower School students to complete throughout the month. The first challenge? Show a family member how to code!
The challenge will culminate with "Hour of Code" Week in early December.
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Park Tudor Celebrates Diwali
Park Tudor hosted its first-ever Diwali celebration during Upper School assembly on Tuesday, November 10. This festival of lights is celebrated around the world by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Diwali is one of the most significant events of the year in Indian culture.
During the assembly, students enjoyed a presentation about the story behind Diwali, as well as Indian music and dance. Karnika Mehrotra performed a solo dance, which was introduced by Pavani Peri, and Anjali Mirmira and Matthew Heck offered background on the holiday. The celebration culminated with a large group dance for all faculty and students who wanted to join in.
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ThanksForGiving Week Kicks Off Monday
We are deeply grateful for our families who support the Park Tudor Annual Fund. To-date, a remarkable 45% of all families have participated! In the spirit of the school's commitment to philanthropy, next week we will celebrate those who have already given with ThanksForGiving Week and ask those who have not yet given to rise to the challenge. A generous Tudor Hall alumna, Dr. Marianne Tobias '58, has presented us with a $25,000 match to increase our current parent participation. For every percentage point increase from current parents, the school will receive $1,000! The ThanksForGiving Week Challenge begins on Monday! Track our Annual Fund progress and learn how your support helps our school. |
ISSMA Annual Contest Entry Forms Due November 24
The Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) annual district and state level solo and ensemble contests provide our students with appropriate and attainable musical goals to strive towards each school year. Participation is open to students in grades 5-12 who attend a member school and participate in our choral and instrumental music programs.
2016 Contest Dates:
Sat., Jan. 30: District Instrumental (Winds, Strings, Percussion) at New Augusta Public Academy North
Sat., Feb. 6: District Piano and Voice at Westfield Middle School
Sat., Feb. 20: State Piano and Voice at Perry Meridian Middle and High Schools
Sat., Feb. 27: State Instrumental (Winds, Strings, Percussion) at Northview Middle and North Central High School
The deadline for all entry forms and fees to be turned into the Park Tudor Music Department is the end of the school day on Tuesday, November 24, the day prior to Thanksgiving Break.
Questions regarding the piano and voice contest should be directed to Mrs. Melanie Marshall (415-2963) or Mr. Lamonte Kuskye (415-2717). Mrs. Lorelei Farlow (415-2795) and Mr. Chuck Flowers (415-2826) will be able to handle all orchestral and band questions respectively.
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E-Waste Recycling Drive Continues Through This Week
Senior Luke Elliott has teamed up with the Environmental Club to conduct an electronic recycling drive from November 2-13 as part of his Eagle Scout community service project. Any unwanted electronic equipment can be placed in the bins at the entrance doors to all three schools. This is a great opportunity to dispose of your electronic waste. A drive-by drop-off opportunity will take place on Saturday, November 14 at the circle drive from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Volunteers will be there to unload your car. Please help Luke and the Environmental Club recycle electronic junk into new and useful products.
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Throwback Thursday History: Recipe for Success
When Tudor Hall and Park School merged, so did each school's parent association to form The Park Tudor Mothers' Association. Later, the PT Fathers' Association was formed and later still the two merged to become the PTPA. But that's another story.
This #TBT is devoted to the success of food! In 1980, the PTMA undertook the herculean task to create the first Park Tudor Cookbook. A committee of 23 chaired by Mrs. Spencer Trudgen and Mrs. Robert Palmer tested over 820 recipes submitted by family and friends of the school. Of those, 600 recipes found their way into the book. In the Historical Notes to the cookbook, Mrs. Phillip Berman wrote,
"Our pride in this school, in the quality of the education it offers, in the beauty of its landscape and architecture, and our love for its students, our children, in their frequent diligence and their constant exuberance, prompts us, the members of the Park Tudor Mothers' Association, to publish this cookbook. It is filled with the treasures of our kitchens in order to sustain the treasures of our hearts - our children, their education and the excellence of Park Tudor School."
And so, in 1982 Park Tudor Treasures was published. Over 7000 copies of this much sought after cookbook were sold. Here is one of the recipes that continues to be a favorite at campus events. It was submitted by Joan Young, wife of then headmaster George Young. Joan was the consummate entertainer for faculty parties and gatherings of alumni and parents; she passed away in October of this year.
Artichoke Dip - Serves 6-8
1 8-oz. can artichokes, drained and squeezed
1 C. mayonnaise
¾ cup Parmesan cheese
Paprika
1. Cut artichokes to bite size
2. Mix all ingredients
3. Sprinkle paprika generously on top
4. Bake at 350 degrees until bubbly.
This dip needs a fairly stiff cracker
Enjoy!
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Use SCRIP for your Holiday Shopping and Raise Money for PT
Park Tudor's Lower School and Hilbert Center are once again participating in the SCRIP program, to raise money for their division. Simply use SCRIP cards - available for purchase from Leeta Albea in the Lower School - to pay for your holiday shopping. Please click here for the order form; orders are due to Leeta Albea in the Lower School by Friday, November 13.
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Meet & Mingle for 7th & 8th Grade Parents - THIS MORNING
Thursday, November 12
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Wood Room
Current and prospective Park Tudor parents will have the opportunity to hear from Upper School parents, faculty and students in a relaxed setting. RSVP here. PTPA General Meeting - TODAY Thursday, November 12 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Foster Hall Join us to learn more about Park Tudor's financial model. Lunch will be provided; RSVP to Katherine Dill - katherinedill@yahoo.com.
 Homegrown: Fostering an Innovative Mindset in Our Schools and City TONIGHT - Thursday, November 12 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The Speak Easy 5255 N. Winthrop Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46220 Join us to hear from innovators in the Indianapolis business community, including PT alumni Lauren George '09, who is directing community outreach for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Prahasith Veluvolu '13, co-founder (with fellow PT alums Jacobi Petrucciani '12 and Colton Voege '13) of Mimir, a platform that will enable professors to provide more immediate feedback to students. Tech entrepreneur Ryan Pfenninger, who started his first company while a student at North Central and is now chief technology officer at 250ok, will also participate, along with Kendrea Williams, founder of Ethos Marketing and Communications, and Jason Williams, owner of SPYCOMPS, a competitive intelligence firm. This event will provide opportunities for networking and learning from some of the most innovative minds in the community. Register here.
Fall Orchestra Concert Grades 7-12
Wednesday, November 18
7:30 p.m.
Ayres Auditorium
Enjoy performances from Park Tudor's many instrumental ensembles comprised of both Middle and Upper School students.
Fall Band Concert Grades 7-12 Friday, November 20 7:30 p.m. Ayres Auditorium Park Tudor's full band and other Middle and Upper School band instrumental groups will perform.
Panther Pandemonium (All School Event)
Friday, November 20
9:30 p.m.
Varsity Gym
Please join us in kicking off the start of the Basketball Season! The event will feature MS & US Boys & Girls team introductions, scrimmages, contests, giveaways, and the unveiling of our 2014-2015 Varsity Boys State Championship Banner. Admission is $1 or one can for a food drive.
Park Tudor Booster Club Spirit Night (All School Event)
Wednesday, November 25
6:30 p.m.
Hungry Panther
Please join us in kicking off the 2015-16 Basketball Season! JV Boys game at 6 p.m. and Varsity at 7:30 vs. University HS. Pizza, water, and cookies will be provided.
 Park Tudor Speaker Series Welcomes Emily BazelonPresented by: The National Bank of Indianapolis
Wednesday, December 2
6:30 p.m.: Talk
Reception to follow
Wood Room
Park Tudor Upper School
Emily Bazelon is the author of Sticks and Stones, a major new contribution to the national conversation on bullying. Clear-eyed and accessible, Stones was hailed in the New York Times as an "authoritative and important book [that] should not only be read by educators and parents alike, but should also be taught in law schools and journalism schools."
Bazelon is a staff writer at the New York Times Magazine, the Truman Capote Fellow for Creative Writing and Law at Yale Law School, and a former senior editor at Slate. Her ground-breaking investigative journalism (and knack for storytelling), coupled with her extensive legal knowledge, makes her one of the leading authorities on the shifting landscape of bullying in the cyber age: What constitutes bullying? What can parents, teachers, and educators do about it? What are the roles of personality traits, such as "grit," character, and empathy, to overcome childhood trauma and find social success? RSVP here.
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Save the date: PTPA Holiday Coffee and Holiday Handmade Mart Friday, December 4, 8:00-10:00 a.m. and 2:30-5:30 p.m. in Foster Hall Celebrate the holidays with other PT parents and check some gifts off your list at this holiday tradition! The PTPA will provide coffee and gourmet pastries while faculty, students, and parents will have their work on display for purchase. Our artists will return in the afternoon for your holiday shopping convenience! Vendors will include our own talented Fine Arts faculty, Middle and Upper School students, and current and former parents, with something for everyone on your list including ceramics, painting, jewelry, and textiles. If you are interested in selling your handmade wares, send a description of your work and a representative photograph to Mia Miller, mianmiller@gmail.com. Space is limited.
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Opt-In to Receive Text Messages from PT About Closings and Delays
The season for potential closings and delays is approaching. Park Tudor uses multiple ways to let parents know about weather-related closings and delays, including emails, phone calls and text messages.
You must opt-in to receive alerts via text message. To do so, your cell phone number must be saved in My Backpack. Then text "subscribe" or "yes" to 68453.
This year, we are also notifying Upper School students; parents must fill out the Student Cell Phone form in My Backpack and then the student can opt in for text alerts.
We also post our closings and delays on local media outlets including WTHR-TV, WISH-TV, Fox59 TV, RTV-6, WTTV and WIBC radio, and Park Tudor social media. |
November Statements Now Available
Your current statement is now available for viewing in your Park Tudor My Backpack account. Payment is due by Monday, November 30.
To determine if you have a balance due, click on the "Account Summary" tab. To see details of your balance, click on the "Statement" tab. Past statements also are available for review, and statements are printable from this screen. You may pay online by clicking on the "Pay Online" option in the lower left corner of the statement screen and completing the electronic payment information, or send payment by mail to:
Park Tudor School
P.O. Box 6069 - Dept. 105
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6069
Please call 415-2800 if you have any questions regarding your student's account. If you need assistance with My Backpack password or login, please call 415-2710 or email support@parktudor.org.
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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: 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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