Dear TA Families,
Teaching & Learning Spotlight
A variety of TA classes took field trips to work with two of our community partners this fall – Willing Hands and Thetford Elementary School. These experiences gave students hands-on opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom and campus, which is awesome. But there is more benefit as well! When field-based learning happens with nonprofit partners, students are giving back as much as they might be gaining.
Eighth grade science classes from TA visited with primary students at Thetford Elementary School to do a study on changing leaves last month, and our advanced Spanish class led 3rd and 4th graders in introductory Spanish language activities. A mix of high school health classes, culinary classes, and gardening classes all spent time at Willing Hands harvesting crops and supporting the organization’s mission to combat food insecurity in the Upper Valley. Thanks to the TA teachers and our partners for organizing these collaborations that allow students to deepen their learning while contributing to their community!
Kudos: International Thespian Society!
TA’s chapter of the International Thespian Society held its annual induction ceremony this week and welcomed 19 new members. Congratulations to all of the dedicated drama students who earned this honor through their commitment, participation, and hard work! We are looking forward to the next big production featuring the Fall Play class in She Kills Monsters, Nov. 20-22. Mark your calendars!
End of Quarter 1
Next week brings October to a close, along with the first quarter of the school year. Student council is sponsoring a fall spirit week culminating in Halloween costumes on Friday. The week will require finding a balance between the silliness of a spirit week and the focus required at the end of an academic term. While students are coming up with creative ideas for what they might wear next week, please make sure they are also preparing for assessments, taking advantage of opportunities for revision, and turning in any missing assignments.
My weekly message to families last Friday included a lot of details about the final week of October and might be worth reviewing (link). Note the special schedule on Friday 10/30 – the school day begins for everyone at 8:10am, including seniors who might normally have a later start to their morning.
Best of luck to our cross country athletes who compete in the State Meet at TA today! And a huge thanks to all of our volunteers who help us host the big meets every fall. For details on race times and results, check out 802Timing.
Thank you,
Carrie Brennan, Head of School
