TA News

Dear TA Families,

Today was a special day for our new high schoolers – the Class of 2027 – as they all participated in our annual 9th grade retreat. Fortunately, it was a beautiful autumn day (no rain!). Students spent the day outdoors on the TA south campus connecting as a class in a variety of team building activities, facilitated by their advisors, counselors, and a cadre of 12th grade peer leaders. The 9th grade retreat has been a TA tradition for generations, in one form or another, as a way to bring all of the students from our many sending towns and middle schools together into one new group. This one is 66 students strong. 

Class of 2027, we wish you well as you embark on your high school journey. We are here to support you – and now you are a stronger group together to support each other!

In other news …

Homecoming Tomorrow!

We look forward to seeing many of you for Homecoming on Saturday. Activities include an alumni soccer game at 10am, varsity soccer games against Lyndon Institute (girls at 11am and the boys at 1:30pm), and a concert on the quad at 3pm. The Class of 2024 will be running concessions. There will be games for kids including a bounce house, TA swag giveaways, and more. Swing by for a bit or stay all day! https://thetfordacademy.org/2023/09/gully-boys-come-to-ta-homecoming-schedule-of-events/

Community Forum on Sept. 20

The Thetford Town School Board is hosting a forum about our community’s goals and priorities for our schools on Wednesday evening, Sept. 20 from 6-7:30pm in the Thetford Elementary School cafeteria. I look forward to being a part of the conversation, along with TES Principal Bernice Mills, and our VT State Representative Rebecca Holcombe. The event contact is Megan Snider, President of the Thetford School Board, [email protected].

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Deadline

This is a reminder for older students who have opted to bring in their own laptop from home this year: Parent permission is required. Deadline was today, Sept. 15 for the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) permission form. Parents/Guardians, please complete this form to allow your 10th, 11th, or 12th grade student to participate in BYOD. 

College Information Night on Sept. 19

On Tuesday evening, 6-7pm, the TA Counseling Department will host the fall College Information Night for students in the Class of 2024 and their families. The event will provide an overview of the college application process, reviewing timelines, tips, resources, testing and financial aid. This is an online event. For those who cannot attend, the session will be recorded and posted to the TA website: https://thetfordacademy.org/academics/counseling-office. For more details, contact Counseling Team Coordinator Tippi Oshoniyi, [email protected].

Mountain Day on Sept. 22We are looking forward to TA’s big fall tradition of heading out in grade level groups to bag a local peak next Friday! Parents/Guardians – Please complete the online Mountain Day Permission Form 2023 – due on Monday 9/18. Reach out to event contact TOP Coordinator Scott Ellis, [email protected] with any questions.

• 7th Grade, Mt. Cube – Elevation: 2909 ft, Mileage: 4.3 miles (Cross Rivendell Trail) Link
• 8th Grade, Black – Elevation: 2800 ft, Mileage: 3.6 miles (Chippewa Trail), Link
• 9th Grade, Cardigan – Elevation: 3155 ft, Mileage: 3 miles (West Ridge Trail), Link
• 10th Grade, Smarts – Elevation: 3238 ft, Mileage: 7.6 miles (Appalachian Trail), Link
• 11th Grade, Ascutney – Elevation: 3144 ft, Mileage: 5.3 miles (Windsor Trail), Link
• 12th Grade, Moosilauke – Elevation: 4802 ft, Mileage: 8.8 miles (Gorge Brook, Carriage, Snapper), Link

Happy Autumn,

Carrie Brennan, Head of School

Thetford Academy

Featured photos this week: Today’s 9th grade retreat included lots of community-building, team challenges, and fun!