TA News

Dear TA Families,

I want to thank the parents, grandparents, family friends, and community mentors who were able to attend end-of-semester presentations and performances in recent weeks. We know it is not easy to carve out the time during the work day and appreciate your participation. By showing up, you create a ‘real world’ audience for us and help bring our learning to a wider stage. 

Building on my message from last week, here are a few more class highlights as 2nd semester drew to a close:

• Students in the fall play class put on an informal show titled “In Our Own Words” on Monday morning that featured their own works. Using the approach of ‘devised theater’, students wrote, directed, and performed plays that each explored a contemporary social issue relevant to teens. From depression, alcoholism, and loneliness to eating disorders, family violence, and school shootings, they did not shy away from challenging subject matter. The students put their creative skills to the test to present these topics with feeling, depth, and nuance. 
• On Wednesday morning, the 8th grade class hosted a listening session to present audio stories they produced in English class. Most featured an interview with a sibling, parent, or grandparent. The heartfelt pieces brought out stories spanning generations and covering lots of ground – trips to Maine, Vietnam and Alaska; distant memories of childhood holidays and special meals; the surprise arrival of a new pet. The library was filled with an attentive audience of classmates, teachers, and family members, who listened carefully and seemed to enjoy the human touch of each audio story.
• The challenge course expo took place on Thursday. Four high school students who pursued independent studies through TA’s ‘challenge course’ option presented on their process, learning, and final projects. Their topics included Caroline Watts ’25 on developing a competitive art portfolio, Connor Kutter-Walker ’26 on computer programming in the realm of robotics, Londyn Oshoniyi ’28 on costume design for TA’s drama department, and Wendell Durham ’26 on doing an aquatic assessment of the Pike Hill mines.

On Tuesday we begin the second half of the school year. High school students have an entirely new schedule of classes. Middle school students will continue with their classes for the duration of the year (except for their afternoon arts electives which rotate quarterly

Second Semester Classes & Drop/Add Period
For students in grades 9-12, the first week of the semester provides a window of time to adjust their schedule if needed. A number of classes have space available, from instrumental music, yearbook, and stage band to horticulture, outdoor recreation (PE), advanced chemistry*, and more. Check out details in the message sent to HS students and parents on Jan. 9, from [email protected]. (*Note an exciting new opportunity this semester: TA’s advanced chemistry course is now set up as a dual enrollment offering with CCV, allowing students to simultaneously earn TA credit and college credit. For more details, connect with Rachael Brown and/or Mark Pichette.) We encourage students to consider their classes carefully, align them with postsecondary goals, and take advantage of all that TA has to offer during the high school years!
Starting the College Process: Two-Part Series for Junior Families

Coming up soon: On Jan. 27 and Feb. 10 the TA counseling department will host evening workshops on the college search and application process. The sessions, led by Counseling Director Mark Pichette, are geared toward juniors and their parents, but all are welcome. Both sessions are virtual and held on Google Meet, with a 6pm start time. The first one will provide an overview, timeline, and action plan for families. The second session will feature a panel of college admissions representatives. Event contact: [email protected]. 

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
At assembly this week we watched an excerpt of Dr. King’s speech, ‘What is Your Life’s Blueprint?’, delivered at a junior high school in Philadelphia in 1967. We featured this speech, probably less familiar to many of us than his more famous work, because it was written for a teenage audience and seemed especially apropos at this midway juncture of the school year. Dr. King’s message to young people: Develop and hold fast to a belief in your self worth; determination to achieve excellence; and a commitment to the principles of beauty, love, and justice. (Link to a recording on YouTube.)

Speaking of excellence and determination, we have a robotics team gearing up for state championships next month (2/15), an indoor track team gearing up for state championships next Sunday (1/26), and six basketball teams who all have home games this week and would love to see you in the audience! (See calendar page for game details.)

Photos this week: A few audience shots from the 8th grade listening session. 

Thank you,

Carrie Brennan, Head of School