TA News

Dear TA Families,

Yesterday was our first of two TA Roundtable Days this spring. (The next one is May 16.) We pause our regular class schedule on these days and dedicate the half day to special activities coordinated by the grade-level advisory teams. Roundtable Days are one of the ways that we make time throughout the school year for a deep dive into our school mission: To celebrate the unique worth of all students, to nurture their strengths, and to challenge them to fulfill their potential. 

Each grade had a unique experience on Friday, so check in with your student to learn more about their morning activities and a highlight of their experience. In general, the day looked like this: Students in 10th and 12th grades led roundtable presentations of their portfolios, with 9th and 11th graders as peer audiences. The 8th graders explored Canadian culture and trip prep, and the 7th graders engaged in interdisciplinary activities led by their English and social studies teachers. 

Portfolio Presentations – Seniors & Sophomores Take the Lead
Roundtable Days are especially important for seniors as they take on the challenge of presenting a summation of their experience at TA to an audience of peers, faculty, and family. They draw from their portfolio, four years in the making, to share evidence of learning, growth, and accomplishments. I had the privilege of seeing five senior roundtable presentations yesterday and was impressed and inspired by each student’s confidence, pride, candor, and ability (and willingness!) to articulate aspects of their journey as a learner and member of our school community. Sophomores, in a lead up to the senior year requirement, are also doing portfolio presentations this spring. 

Audience participation is integral to Roundtable Days and makes for an even richer experience. While the seniors and sophomores take the lead on presenting, 9th and 11th students listen and engage, sharing thoughtful questions and kudos with each presenter. And we love having family members in the audience, too! Thank you to the senior parents who were able to be a part of their student’s roundtable yesterday.

Read more about portfolios, roundtables, and our school’s transferable skills – all key and interconnected components of our schoolwide academic program: thetfordacademy.org/academics/proficiency-based-learning.

Radon Testing Follow Up
On March 10 we communicated with the school community about the upcoming radon testing. That process is now complete and we are pleased that the results were satisfactory. Here is a summary: Thetford Academy Radon Results Notification. 

Quarter 4 – Here We Go!

• We launched the final quarter of the school year this week. We have another full week of school, followed by spring break (April 21-25), and then a seven-week stretch to the end of the school year. 
• Q3 report cards were sent out on Friday, April 11. This year report cards are distributed through Alma to parent and student email addresses. Please contact Gloria Konicki, [email protected], with any questions or requests for technical support with Alma. 
• In the coming weeks, students will be registering for classes for next school year. Keep an eye out for communication from the Counseling Department for details and timelines.
• Spring sports season is shifting into the next phase, with middle school teams in play, the first track meet happening this weekend, and baseball and softball games scheduled for next week. 

Photos this week feature a handful of the many seniors who presented on our first Roundtable Day of the spring.

Spring in Vermont likes to surprise. It’s snowing again on Thetford Hill this morning!

Carrie Brennan, Head of School