TA News

Dear TA Families,

No foolin’ – April arrives on Tuesday! This week’s email outlines some of the key dates and activities at TA in the coming weeks. 

• On Thursday, April 3, 5:45-7:45pm: The Getting to Y club is hosting a Community Dialogue Event to explore public health youth issues, using local and regional YRBS data. All ages, all stakeholders are invited. Be a part of the conversation to discuss root causes and possible solutions! Location: Thetford Academy Library. Pizza dinner provided.
• Quarter 3 comes to a close on Friday, April 4. Check in with your student this weekend – and perhaps hop on Alma together – to get an update on their progress in classes and any final projects and deadlines. We appreciate your help in supporting a strong finish to the quarter.
• Also on Friday, April 4, at 6pm: The ODW club is hosting the annual TA Show, a talent show that is equal parts serious and silly, and serves as a charity fundraiser in conjunction with other Operation Day’s Work efforts. Location: Martha Jane Rich Theater. 
• On Monday, April 7, students in all grades will participate in the biennial Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The survey is administered online, and students will need their laptop (fully charged!). Tippi Oshoniyi sent parents the notification letter on March 14; here is a link for your reference. To learn more about the survey, the data, and its relevance and impact, visit the Vermont state website. 
• Students in grades 8 and 11 will take the standardized science test, required by the State of Vermont, on Wednesday, April 9. 
• Friday, April 11 is our first TA Roundtable Day of the spring (and is also a half day). This is an important day for seniors especially, half of whom will be presenting their portfolios to an audience of 11th and 12th grade peers, a faculty panel, and invited family members. Students in other grades are also preparing and sharing their portfolios in other settings. Check in with your student on their portfolio progress – and ask if they’ll share it with you at home. (The 2nd Roundtable Day is scheduled on May 16.)
• On Wednesday, April 16, the Class of 2027 will take the PSAT-10. This is an opportunity for sophomore students to begin the process of practicing and taking college entrance exams. Students and parents can learn more about the PSAT-10 and find practice resources on the College Board website.
• That same day, the Class of 2029 will venture out on their 3-day journey to Montreal, April 16-18 This is an exciting opportunity for our 8th graders!
• In the spirit of international travel, on the afternoon of Thursday, April 17, the 17 high school students heading to France and Spain, along with Madame Heinzmann and Kristen Downey, will begin their big trip to Europe (the first of its kind since 2019).
• Then all of us get to do some adventuring, whether close to home or far away, April 21-25, when school is closed for spring break!
• Lastly, just a reminder that the calendar page on our website is a handy resource for event details and updates. From there you can also subscribe to the TA Google calendar.
  

Featured photo this week: The 5th and 6th graders from Thetford Elementary School came over for a visit on Tuesday. They spent time on our South Campus and in the sugarbush across Academy Road, learning about the science, art, and craft of sugaring from TA students.

Have a great weekend,

Carrie Brennan, Head of School