TA News

Dear TA Families,

Welcome, December! Today marks the mid-quarter point for Q2. Please check in with students on their academic progress thus far this quarter and help them finish strong before the winter break. When we return in January, we have a final week of classes and then move into exam week. 

But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. Here are some important highlights in December and the week ahead. Please note especially the community presentation on Monday evening.

Middle School Dance – Tonight! Dec. 1, 7-9pm

TA 7th and 8th graders are invited to a dance hosted by the 8th grade class this evening from 7-9pm. The dance will take place in the student lounge in the Annex Building. The dance entrance is the south entrance of the Annex.

Community Presentation on Youth Substance Use Trends – Dec. 4, 6:30-8pm

Parents and community members are invited to attend a special event on Monday evening sponsored by the TA Counseling Department in the TA Library. Sergeant Jay Riggen of the Vermont State Police will lead a dynamic presentation introducing current substance use trends among Vermont youth. The presentation provides tools for participants to detect when people are using substances and will offer time for Q&A and audience interaction. Sgt. Jay Riggen is an 18-year veteran with the Vermont State Police and an award-winning, internationally-credentialed, and state certified Drug Recognition Expert and Instructor. Sgt. Riggen will also be presenting to the whole school during assembly on Monday, and share in smaller group formats in the 10th grade health classes and middle school PE classes. We will continue to discuss and debrief his talks in advisory on Tuesday. For more information, visit the Facebook event or contact Kara Toms, [email protected].

Dental Van Visit – Dec. 4-7

Please see the Health Office updates from Nurse Ellen Gnaedinger for more details on dental van services and registration. Contact [email protected].

8th Grade Montreal Trip – Dec. 5 Deadline

We are excited to be resuming the tradition of a middle school multi-day trip this spring. Plans are underway for the 8th grade class to travel to Montreal April 17-19, 2024! A reminder for parents and guardians of the Class of 2028, an important due date for registration and the $100 family contribution is coming right up on December 5. Please create an account at: https://portal.jumpstreet.com and enter Tour Code: T5FU4ZL. Trip contacts are Kathy Hooke, [email protected], and Kristen Downey, [email protected].

Winter Concert – Dec. 7, 6:30-7:45pm

Get in the holiday mood with music! The high school instrumental music and choral classes are hosting a winter concert on Thursday, December 7 in the Martha Jane Rich Theater. Parents, family members, friends, and the community are invited to attend. The concert is free of charge. Event contacts are Whit VanMeter, [email protected] and Jeff Seabaugh, [email protected].

Half Day & Holiday Break

Reminders: Friday 12/8 is a half day schedule with 12:10pm dismissal. Regarding the upcoming holiday break, TA is in session through Wednesday 12/20 and break begins on 12/21.

Thanks and have a great weekend,

Carrie Brennan, Head of School

Featured photos: Advisories are getting creative with their group photo shots for fall semester. Pictured above: Scott Ellis’ 10th graders geared up for some outdoor adventures.