TA News

Dear TA Families,

We hope the start of the new school year was a successful one for students and families alike. We saw lots of smiles and good energy on campus – we also know there might be some confusion, tiredness, or worry being expressed at home as well. The transition from summer mode to school mode is a big one for teenagers, especially if they are coming to a new school!

Highlighting a few TA RESOURCES that can help start your year off right!

• Technology: Thetford Academy is committed to every student having a laptop computer as an important resource for their academic engagement and success. We are in our fourth year of 1-to-1 computer access! All students in grades 7-10 were issued a TA Chromebook this week, as were most students in grades 11 and 12. Students are required to have their laptop with them daily, charged and ready to use. Older students who opt to bring in their own device from home need to have parent permission; parents and students can discuss this option and use this form to proceed. 
• Lockers: Did you know we have lockers available to students in any grade? There are lockers in the annex, white building, and arts wing. We automatically issue lockers to middle schoolers at the start of the school year – but we have many more available and any student can request one! Did you read the Health Office update this week from Nurse Ellen? She encouraged students to lighten their load. A heavy backpack is not good for your back. See Jamie or Gloria in the front office to sign up for a locker.
• School Communication & Updates: In addition to the weekly Head of School message each Friday, check out the following … The school website is a handy resource for school information. Sign up here to receive the TA News that comes out on Thursday afternoons. For those on social media, you can stay connected by following TA on Facebook and Instagram. The TA App is also available for iPhones and Android. Please share these resources with grandparents, extended family, and friends who want to keep up with panther news and events.
• Counseling Department: Keep an eye out for important school information in your inbox from the TA Counseling Department. Did you see the email earlier today from Counseling Team Coordinator Tippi Oshoniyi introducing the counselors and their contact details? And high school parents and students received another important one on Aug. 29 outlining the schedule change process and a list of available classes. The deadline for schedule changes is Tuesday, 9/5 at 3pm!

Highlighting our TA CELL PHONE POLICY to help us all start the year off right!

We are working hard this year to ensure consistent structures and expectations around cell phone use during the school day. Students are not allowed to access their cell phone during class time. We ask for your support and cooperation with this schoolwide approach. Please do not expect to communicate regularly with your student via text or calls during class time. If you have an urgent need to connect with your student, call Jamie Pierson (x219) or Gloria Konicki (x201) in the front office, or the school nurse (x226) for health-related matters.

Highlighting KEY DATES in September!

The first month of the school year is an exceptionally busy one, and we want to share important dates to be aware of. You can always check the calendar page on the TA website for event details and updates.

• Picture Day is coming right up on Friday, Sept. 8. Students received the photo order packet in advisory.
• Back to School Night is Thursday, Sept. 14, from 5:45-7:00 p.m. Parents of students in all grades, 7-12, are encouraged to attend. It’s a great opportunity to meet your student’s teachers, visit classrooms, and learn more about the curriculum.
• We have a half day schedule on Friday, Sept. 15. School dismisses at 12:10 p.m.
• Homecoming soccer games and festivities are happening on Saturday, Sept. 16. Community and alumni invited!
• College Information Night for the Class of 2024 is Tuesday, Sept. 19. This will be a virtual event and is designed for students and parents.
• Mountain Day is Friday, Sept. 22. Students will head out to bag one of our local peaks together as a class. More details to come.
• The annual TA Welcome Dance, hosted by the senior class and open to students in all grades, will take place on Friday, Sept. 29. (Please note: This event was originally scheduled for Sept. 15.)

Hoping everyone has a good Labor Day Weekend and sharing gratitude with all whose labor keeps our society and economy humming – working on farms, in hospitals and colleges, in stores and schools, for our towns and road crews, and so much more!

Have a great weekend and we look forward to Week Two on Tuesday!

Carrie Brennan, Head of School

Featured photo: The 7th graders participated in orientation sessions this week, including outdoor activities on the south campus.