Dear TA families,
👉 Quarter 1 Grades & Report Card Guide
Report cards were sent via email earlier today through our student information system, Alma. The report card is also available in your student’s profile on Alma; log in, click on your student, and look for the ‘report card’ tab. (Since adopting Alma in 2024, we shifted to electronic distribution only of report cards; if you need guidance in accessing Alma or updating your contact information, reach out to Gloria Konicki, [email protected].) Check out our Quarter 1 Grading Guide for a review of grading policies and updates and a how-to on reading the Alma report card.
👉Commons Project & Construction Updates
As we move into Quarter 2, we are readying ourselves for the start of construction. This past week has involved site prep and the contractor, DEW Construction, will officially begin their work next week. We continue to update students on the project in assembly – sharing the vision and rationale for the future Commons, as well as the impact on daily school life as the addition is built. Here is a link to our evolving assembly slideshow. I included an update for families last month in my Oct. 10 weekly email and will keep you posted throughout the year.
👉 Events & Invitations
November 2026 is turning out to be a very busy time at TA. I covered some, but not all, of the special happenings this month in my community email last week – and want to add to the list today. We hope you can join us for at least one of our upcoming events on campus. Mark your calendars – there is something for everyone!
- 3rd Annual Haunted Harvest Robotics Tournament @ TA, Nov. 6: Free, all-day event. Drop in anytime, check out the action, cheer on the Panther teams, and learn more about the cool world of VEX robotics. Location: TA campus, Vaughan Alumni Gymnasium. Learn more.
- ‘Gone Guys’ Documentary & Panel @ TA, Nov. 10: Free screening of this award-winning film on challenges facing boys and young men, especially in rural communities. Event includes a post-watch panel and discussion, open to the community. Location: TA campus, Martha Jane Rich Theater. Learn more.
- Commons Groundbreaking Event, Nov. 11: Join us for a short celebratory event from 3:30-4:00pm to mark this exciting milestone for the TA community. Location: TA campus, outdoors (weather permitting) in front of Anderson Hall. Learn more about the project and the campaign supporting it.
- ‘She Kills Monsters’, Nov 20-22: Fall Play drama class puts on four performances of this compelling play by Qui Nguyen. Location: TA campus, Martha Jane Rich Theater. Learn more & buy tickets.
- TAAA Craft Fair, Nov. 21: The beloved annual craft fair is back with over 60 regional crafters. Location: TA campus, in and around Anderson Hall. Free event, including horse carriage rides!
And two more special events happening during the school day – both designed just for students and staff but we wanted to be sure to share with families:
- Veterans Day Event & Assembly, Nov. 11: We are looking forward to welcoming Phil Vietje (TA Class of 1999) of the VT National Guard and his flight team back to TA with a special Blackhawk helicopter landing and assembly. Students and their teachers from TES, Open Fields, and Maple Leaf will also join us on campus for this Veterans Day experience.
- All-School Thanksgiving Meal, Nov. 24: We will continue our tradition of gathering as a school community for a Thanksgiving meal on the Tuesday before break. This is an opportunity to come together for an extended lunch and large group meal to mark this holiday of gratitude.
👉 Celebrating Our TA Educators
Why wait for Teacher Appreciation Week to roll around in May? Take a moment today to send a short note to one of the TA employees you want to recognize and celebrate for something they did during the first quarter of the school year. Featured photo this week: On Nov. 4, Jeff Seabaugh was recognized as Thetford Academy’s 2026 nominee for the Vermont Outstanding Educators Award, alongside award recipients from around the state. It was a wonderful celebration of the art and craft of teaching, Vermont’s teachers, and the power of the schools in our communities. Congrats, Jeff!
We have groups of students heading out to three different academic competitions on Saturday morning: debate, science olympiad, and robotics. Wishing the TA teams well as they problem-solve on their feet in high-pressured settings in front of judges and audiences – and sharing gratitude for the adults on the journey with them, Robotics Coaches Leif LaWhite and Jonathan Crossett, STEM Club Advisor Rachael Brown, and Debate Coach Kristen Downey.
Thank you,
Carrie Brennan, Head of School
