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February 2013
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February News: Day of Service and What Is a Quinzee?
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 | | A quinzee built by the Outdoor Adventure Club |
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As winter term continues, students find many outlets for their creative energies: community service, music, art, theater, writing, sports, off-campus trips, and more. They also notice improvement and mastery of academic skills. They feel comfortable in the community, and overall confidence is growing.
On Monday, the Outdoor Adventure Club built a quinzee on the soccer field in the center of campus. In contrast to an igloo, which is made from blocks of ice, a quinzee is created by piling snow and then hollowing out the interior. Measuring sticks inserted in the snow let the builders know when to stop removing snow so that the structure does not collapse. Quick to build and relatively warm, quinzees are an effective shelter for winter adventurers.
The Admissions Team cordially invites prospective students and their families to attend an Open House. Open Houses begin in Orr Commons in the center of campus (follow signs) at 10:00 am promptly. After brief welcoming remarks, you will tour our beautiful campus and receive a description of our programs. You will see a short video and participate in a discussion about the application process. Closing remarks will take place about 12:30 pm. Please call 845-534-9860 to request more information or leave your name and telephone number to register.
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Martin Luther King Day Provides Community Opportunities |
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Storm King Students Engage in a Day of Service
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Cleaning up Historic Cemetery
(photo courtesy of Max French)
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On Monday, January 21, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, The Storm King School community took a day out of their normal routine to participate in a day of service. Students chose from a variety of activities. One group, volunteering through Project Linus, made fleece blankets for children who are seriously ill or traumatized. In a project with All People Quilt, another cluster of students sewed pillowcases for service members and veterans touched by war, returning troops, and active deployed soldiers.
In nearby Black Rock Forest, a team of students worked with their teachers to gather data for an on-going research project. Another group in Montgomery, NY cleared debris at an historic African American cemetery. Teacher Ian Morris said of the experience, "Visiting and clearing the cemetery was a rewarding experience for us. It helped students connect with the past."
 | | Habitat for Humanity (photo courtesy of Scott Simontacchi) |
While other students labored at a Habitat for Humanity building site in Newburgh, NY, the Your News Now (YNN) community television station stopped by and interviewed Senior Austin O and faculty member Kaitlin Nolan. The resulting story appeared on the evening news, and a brief article can be found on the station's website.
Forty-two members of the school and local community donated blood to the New York Blood Center. It was Storm King junior Hannah F's first experience donating blood. She said she was "a little nervous at first, but the nurses with the New York Blood Center helped me calm my nerves. I am really glad I went through with it, and I want to do it again." A reporter from The Cornwall Local newspaper wrote a story about the event, which can be accessed here.
Faculty member Kathleen Minahan summed up the day by saying, "I am proud to be part of a school that recognizes the importance of remembering Dr. King ... by engaging in service. It was inspiring to see our students and faculty come together to work on a variety of projects that, if only in a small way, bettered our community."
To read more about the day, visit SKS's website here.
 | | Project Linus |
 | | All People Quilt (photo courtesy of Emily Boronkay) |
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College Acceptances Begin to Arrive
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February College Counseling Report
 | | College Counselor Jim Leppla studies the college board |
The class of 2013 has worked diligently to meet their college goals, and excitement has been building as seniors eagerly await responses from colleges to which they applied.
To date, twenty acceptances have been received so far from colleges including Penn State, Michigan State, Rutgers University, and The School of Visual Arts. In an intimate community such as SKS, news of an acceptance spreads fast, as classmates and faculty rush to congratulate the joyous recipients.
A $10k Presidential Scholarship has been offered to one student as part of his acceptance package. And just recently one senior received a "wicked good" scholarship from a Boston area college that will pay for more than one-half of her tuition.
While the situation causes some nail-biting among those still waiting to hear, there is lots of reassurance, since it is exceptional to have received notice so early; most notices of acceptance will be received later in February, March, and even April. College Counselor Jim Leppla is confident because each year all SKS seniors are accepted into colleges. Soon, the "college board" in his office will be filled with names of colleges scrawled next to each senior's name.
For a list of colleges that SKS students have attended in recent years, contact jleppla@sks.org. |
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Young Teachers Learn from Experienced Mentors |
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Student Teachers Are Inspired by SKS Culture
 | | Mr. B. elicits responses from students. |
The Storm King School has a long and proud history of educating learners from the local community and worldwide. This year, SKS has welcomed three student teachers from SUNY New Paltz who have completed coursework toward degrees in education and observed classes in other schools and are now ready for more hands-on experience. These teachers have been getting their feet wet by first observing SKS's skilled faculty members and then, as they have grown in skill and confidence, taken on more of a teaching role in the classes to which they were assigned.
Thomas Baschnagel joined English Department Chair Jeremy Freeman's English class at the beginning of the winter term. He began by observing Mr. Freeman, a master teacher and favorite among students, and meeting afterwards to discuss the strategies and dynamics of the class. Gradually the tables have turned as Mr. Freeman has allowed Mr. Baschnagel to take a more active role in teaching the class, while Mr. Freeman has observed Mr. Baschnagel and provided feedback.
Baschnagel has found the experience to be an enriching revelation. He enjoys the students and atmosphere at SKS, which he describes as more college-like than what he has observed at other schools. He appreciates that SKS teachers can tune in to students' particular interests and gear class discussion and curriculum in a way that engages them and allows for deeper learning.
Other student teachers this year have included Jeremy Atkins, who taught history with Jonathan Meisel, and Kathryn Kranz, who is currently teaching economics under the tutelage of Dennis Costello.
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SKS Provides Venue for World-Renowned Performers |
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Artist-in-Residence James Rensink Brings Colleagues to Campus
 | | Robert Sullivan (photo courtesy of Facebook) |
On Monday, February 11th, members of the SKS community were treated to a performance by Robert Sullivan, former Associate Principal Trumpet with the New York Philharmonic, now Principal Trumpet with the Cincinnati Symphony and the POPs. The performance, which took place in Orr Commons overlooking the Hudson River, was arranged by SKS Artist-in-Residence and music teacher Jim Rensink. The acoustics were terrific, and students seemed to recognize how fortunate they were to listen to such a skilled musician. "He was kick-butt awesome!" exclaimed Chandler Z.
Rensink is a world-renowned musician who has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center as leading baritone, pianist, composer and conductor. He received a special citation from the Congress of the United States for his outstanding achievements and he has sung more than seventy leading operatic roles in twenty-five countries. Rensink loves teaching SKS students, as he finds them to be a unique close-knit community with often amazing talents and varying backgrounds.
SKS benefits from Rensink's connections and the campus's proximity to NYC; Rensink invites his colleagues to campus on a regular basis. Earlier this school year, Sheryl Staples, Principal Associate Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic, and on another occasion, Michelle Kim, Assistant Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic, performed in SKS's Walter Reade, Jr., Theater and wowed their audiences.
Some performers in previous years included Principal Percussionist in the Orchestra of St. Lukes Barry Centanni, Tenor Michele Farruggia of the Metropolitan Opera, world-renowned jazz violinist Joe Deninzon, Principal Harpist Barbara Allen of the American Ballet Theater, and Trombonist Jack Schatz of First Call Broadway. Barbara Allen and international soprano star Eileen Macintosh will soon be making return visits. This personal contact with world-class musicians leaves a lasting impression on students.
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SKS Sports |
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Wrestling and Basketball Highlights
Enthusiastic Athletic Director and three-season coach Joseph Graziosi gains attention for all SKS sports, calling a "Code Blue" prior to especially competitive matches, which encourages the entire community to come out and cheer on the teams. Coach Graziosi's pride in his own players and all campus athletes is obvious as he keeps the community appraised of various events. What follows are excerpts from his emails.
Jan 21:  This was a big weekend for athletics at SKS. The boys and girls JV basketball teams traveled to Poughkeepsie to face Faith Christian Academy. The girls dropped their game but the boys hung on for an exciting 2 point victory in a game that was played at the Culinary Institute of America's Recreation Center. On Saturday, the boys varsity basketball travelled to Darrow and the wrestlers went to Marvelwood and both came up short in their contests. The girls varsity basketball team played Darrow at home and pulled off an outstanding 27 to 21 victory.
Jan 30: Today was another busy Wed. in the Storm King Department of Athletics. The wrestling team traveled to The Gunnery for a triangular meet with Gunnery and NYMA. In the opening match against NYM A, the wrestlers struggled to a 42-36 victory with Vincent A being the hero by winning his high pressure match with the score tied at 36. The match was highlighted by Dat D winning his first match of the season by pinning his opponent and Taehan L, while leading 9-3, frustrating NYMA's top senior wrestler into a misconduct disqualification. Other winners versus NYMA were Chandler Z and Shu S. In the second match the Storm King wrestlers defeated The Gunnery 48-30. Led by Philip Z at the 126 weight class who won by pin and Taehan L who also pinned his opponent, the Cougars never trailed during this strong performance. Taehan's triumphs pushed his season record to 15-4, making him one of the top wrestlers in his weight class in Western New England.
Win or lose, our athletes are recognized for their fine performances.
Feb 7: Yesterday the wrestling team traveled to NYMA for a dual meet against the always aggressive Knights. NYMA is very tough to beat in their own gym. In a back and forth match the Cougars beat NYMA 43 to 33. Big winners on the day were Dat D, James S, Liam V, and Chandler Z. This sets up the league championship finals next Wednesday at Storm King.
Feb 8: The boys varsity basketball team played their best game this season on Thursday, defeating Wooster School in dominating fashion. The Cougars led from the beginning and never looked back in the 53 to 37 victory.
The JV girls lost their game to Harvey School. The girls played an outstanding second half showing the great teamwork for which Storm King teams are known.
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The Voice presents Chaos
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Literary and Visual Arts Publication is Student-Driven
SKS students are known to be a creative lot, so it comes as no surprise that they publish a collection of all sorts of poems, stories, articles, photography, and artwork not once, not twice, but at least three times each year! The fall issue of The Voice has an attention-getting theme: Chaos! Intrigued? Click here to go to SKS's publications page.
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| Coming Soon: Winter One Acts! |
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Students as Directors
 | | Hanna F directs rehearsal (photo courtesy of Harold Heno) |
The Storm King School Theater Department is getting excited about Winter One Acts, to be performed on February 22nd and 23rd. Four students have read through a mountain of scripts, and each has chosen one play to direct. Students have cast their own characters, directed their own rehearsals, arranged their own blocking and props, etc., under the supervision of Performing Arts Chair Anne Fulton and Assistant Theater Director Harold Heno. Said Heno, "It's one of those things where you don't realize how much is involved until you do it yourself. The student directors learn a lot!"
The plays that will be featured are The Man Who Couldn't Dance written by Jason Katim and directed by Jamie Z, The Chocolate Affair written by Stephanie Alice Walker and directed by Evan E, Surprise written by Mark Harvey Levine and directed by Dominique D, and The Blueberry Hill Accord written by Daryl Watson and directed by Luke A.
The performances will be held in SKS's Walter Reade, Jr., Theater. For more ticket information please contact Anne Fulton at 845-534-7892 or afulton@sks.org.
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| Cameras Capture Wildlife in Black Rock Forest |
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Black Rock Forest Nature Studies Yield Results
 | | Student naturalists capture an elusive fox on camera. (photo courtesy of Matthew Munsen) |
Last month's e-newsletter described SOOWOL students' cultural exchange visit with SKS. The Korean students stayed at the lodge in Black Rock Forest, adjacent to SKS's campus, and set up some cameras with the help of BRF naturalists. Images show nightlife that is normally elusive, including coyotes, foxes, and raccoons. One camera caught two coyotes together in one photograph, which is unusual according to naturalist Matthew Munsen.
SKS's 55-acre campus is surrounded by 6,000 acres of forests and preserves, including BRF. It's pretty amazing to be surrounded by such a beautiful natural landscape and be only one hour from all the cultural opportunities that New York City offers.
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Open House Monday, February 18th |
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Tour, Video, & Discussion with Students & Faculty
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The Admissions Team
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The Admissions Team cordially invites you to attend an Open House for prospective students and their families. The Open House will begin in Orr Commons at the center of The Storm King School campus.
This Open House will provide an opportunity to tour our beautiful campus. After the tour, you will see a short video about the School and participate in a discussion about the application process. Participants at our Monday Open House will be invited to lunch, presented by SKS's own Chef Moises, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, in Orr Commons overlooking the Hudson River.
Open House Schedule:
10:00 Tour of Campus
11:15 SKS Video
11:30 Overview of Application Process
11:45 Lunch
12:30 Opportunity for Questions and Conclusion
Please contact the Office of Admissions for more information.
314 Mountain Road
Cornwall on Hudson, NY 12520
845-534-9860
admissions@sks.org
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| For Your Calendar
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Upcoming Open Houses
Saturday, March 30th, 10:00 am - 12:00 Noon
Saturday, April 13th, 10:00 am - 12:00 Noon
Saturday, May 18th, 10:00 am - 12:00 Noon
Open Houses generally start in Orr Commons in the center of The Storm King School campus. We will begin with a tour of the campus after brief welcoming remarks. You will learn about the School and its programs. After the tour, you will see a short video about the School and participate in a discussion about the application process.
It is helpful if you call (845-534-9860) to register in advance.
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| Check Out Our School Video
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Inside America Visits The Storm King School
Click here to view our school video.
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See you soon!
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| SKS students and faculty gather on top of Storm King Mountain. Photo courtesy of Taras Ferencevych. |
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| | Founded in 1867, The Storm King School celebrates a long tradition of helping students translate potential into success as they prepare for college and meaningful lives. Through academic classes, outstanding fine and performing arts, competitive and club sports, and interesting extracurricular activities, the faculty and staff offer students in grades 8-12 opportunities to enrich themselves through learning and confidence building. For college-bound students with learning differences, a small (22 students) program called The Mountain Center, offers specialized, differentiated instruction in up to four core classes. Mountain Center students are full participants in the SKS community. In addition, The Learning Center offers support to any SKS student who needs extra help with study and organizational skills. Boarding and day options are available.
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Contact Information
To visit us on the web, click here.
Click here to see our new school video.
Email: admissions@sks.org
Phone: 800-225-9144 (in the U.S.) or 845-534-9860
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