TA News

Dear TA Families & Students,

Spring is always a whirlwind time of year in a school, as we all aim to stay focused on teaching and learning in the present term, while simultaneously prepping for year-end events and the fall semester. It’s like surfing two waves at once!

For students (except seniors), this means course registration for 2021-22 is underway. The counseling department held sessions for the rising 12th and 11th graders earlier this week, both of which can be viewed online. Check out the news posts at the bottom of the counseling page to access the recordings: thetfordacademy.org/student-life/counseling-office. Younger grades are next in line, with sessions happening for all grades over the next two weeks. Both parents and students receive email updates, links, and documents from the counseling department about registration, so please be on the lookout – and connect with our counselors (Mark, Molly, and Rebecca) about any questions you might have.

For the senior class, sights are set on graduation and year-end celebrations. Dean of Students Siobhan Lopez is taking the lead on this planning, connecting with the students and parents of the Class of 2021 along the way, as state guidance evolves and TA plans develop. We are looking forward to an outdoor graduation ceremony this year that can include the whole class and family guests; senior prom is also back this year. For more information on year-end events – those unique to seniors as well as those involving the whole school community – please consult the school calendar, which we are updating as plans solidify: thetfordacademy.org/calendars. Events to look for include Spring Musical, One Act Plays, The TA Show (new name for Mr. TA), and more …

On the staffing front, we are mapping out teaching assignments and roles for next year and also recruiting for open positions as we plan for upcoming retirements and program developments. Help us attract awesome and diverse talent by sharing this link with your networks … TA is hiring! thetfordacademy.org/about-ta/employment-opportunities. 

Also, on the topic of TA staffing, I want to share the exciting news that Scott Ellis has been named the new director for the Aloha Foundation’s family camp. I am happy to report that Scott will continue to teach at TA during the school year. Read more here: thetfordacademy.org/2021/04/scott-ellis-takes-on-dream-job-at-aloha. (Speaking of Scott and TOP, here is a plug for one of our summer leadership trips – there are still openings in the 2nd canoe trip this summer. Details and registration available on the TA website.)

And closer on the horizon … 

• We have state testing taking place over the next two weeks involving students in grades 7, 8, 9, and 11. Recent emails from Julie Goodrich, our counseling department coordinator, provide details about the testing process. Dates and other details are also listed on the school calendar. 
• Good luck and congrats to our spring athletes whose seasons are off and running – pun intended! Softball and baseball games and track and field competitions are all listed on the athletic calendar and our main school calendar. Audiences are allowed, like during the fall season, so show up (masks on) to cheer on our TA athletes.

Adios April. Here we come, May and June!

Carrie Brennan, Head of School