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May 2008
 5.21.2008Students Take on Faculty in Annual Softball Game Gray skies threatened to rain out Oliverian's annual faculty-student softball game, but the two enthusiastic teams nonetheless met on the field to play their hardest in what has become an annual Oliverian School tradition. The game was neck and neck until the final two innings, when the faculty finally succeeded in leading their worthy opponents. At about the same time, the clouds gave way, soaking both teams. With great sportsmanship, both teams finished the game with a round of congratulations and handslaps.  5.12.2008Sunset Tango at Oliverian Oliverian students delved into Tango dance and Flamenco music during Electives week exploring Spanish history and culture through music and dance. After practicing for only one week, the classes bravely mustered their courage to offer an intimate and stunning performance at Alumni Hall in Haverhill entitled, “Sunset Tango.” All music was original and composed by student Nick Gery and music teacher Brett Wanner. For the first performance, students Cammie and Matt sang a smoldering duet, accompanied by Nick and Brett on guitar, while Sheri and Andrew danced tango to “The Ant and the Grasshopper.” The next performance consisted of Traditional Flamenco; music performed by Nick, Brett, Even, Willow, and Cammie. Francesca researched and studied Flamenco dance independently, and in merely one week presented an amazing Flamenco while the music group performed. The last song, “Reptile,” was a traditional tango sung by Evan, accompanied by Nick, Brett, Willow, and Cammie. After the entire Tango class danced “Reptile,” they opened the floor to the audience and turned the hall into a true “milonga.” Students were eager to pull faculty onto the dance floor, teach them a few tango moves, and let them test out their dancing shoes. Did we actually see Barclay, Greg, and even John Doyle on the dance floor??? There was such a positive vibe in the air; students were exhilarated by their performance and faculty was proud of the students’ successful “Sunset Tango.” Bravo!  5.9.2008Electives Week The Oliverian School offers Electives Week twice a year - once in late Autumn and once in Spring. During Electives Week Oliverian students enjoy a well-earned change of pace as they earn academic credit while experiencing a wide variety of classes through hands-on learning. The Spring Electives Week was held in the last week of April. Classes offered include: • Bee-Keeping • Native Folklore and Primitive Skills • Alternative Healthcare • Dance • Flamenco Music • Sun, Wind and Water • For the Birds • Computer Programming • Life Skills • Speak Your Mind • New England Colonial Culture • Wilderness Highways • Philosophies of Adventure Explored through Advance Rock Craft  5.9.2008Center for School Success Letter from Beth Reed, M.Ed As the end of the school year rapidly approaches, "33 days, but who's counting" as one senior told me yesterday, we are seeing several students succeed in areas where previously they have not. The resulting energy, enthusiasm and self-confidence are becoming a new source of motivation and sense of pride for students. Once a strategy starts working, we tend to assume the problem is "fixed" and abandon the very thing that was making us successful. It happens all the time: Students who begin using a binder to keep track of papers may start to see the benefits of being more organized. They assume the organization problem is solved, and go back to their old ways of shoving papers into the bottom of their backpacks. The student who is succeeding with extra time for tests, or who finds it easier to concentrate in class when the teacher gives an outline of the notes, starts performing well and the parents, teacher and/or student think the scaffolding is no longer needed, so it is removed. As teachers and parents, we need to encourage our teenagers to use the strategies that work for them, and to keep using them. (Do you know any successful adult using a day planner who would willingly give it up?) We need to help students think about learning environments (colleges, summer activities, etc.) they choose. Good choices will provide the external support to allow each individual to develop and demonstrate his or her full potential. Encourage your son or daughter to think about what he or she needs to have in place to do his or her best work. Help them make careful decisions about avoiding distractions and pit falls that have been problematic in the past. Gently guide them so healthy self-confidence doesn't become over-confidence. Help them set reasonable expectations and plan for a successful future. 5.7.2008 College Acceptances Keep Flowing In Spring is here, and students continue to hear from prospective colleges about admissions for Fall 2008. Many of our seniors have already received 'fat' envelopes, inviting them to join Freshman classes across the nation. Congratulations, Seniors! Click here to see our current list of 2008 College Acceptances. |
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