Volume 5: Issue 5: November 2, 2011
    
From the Dean's Office    
Day Student Families
A reminder of our attendance policy (page 8 of the Community Handbook):
Day students are expected to arrive in time for their first class and not leave campus until their last obligation is fulfilled, unless special permission to leave early has been granted.  Day students sign out when leaving campus and returning.  When leaving for the day, day students sign out on the form located at Reception.

If a day student will be absent (or late), the student's family is responsible for notifying the Attendance office by 8:00 a.m. (413-774-2711, x248 or sweyers@sbschool.org).  If the absence is due to an outside appointment, 24 hours' notice to both the Health Care Center and the Attendance office is appreciated.
 
SBS Calendar Correction
The time of the Performing Arts Presentation on Thursday, December 15th is 7:00 p.m. There are no classes on Friday, December 16th and that is a travel day for our boarding students.  Dorms close at 4:00 p.m. for winter break. For information on travel dates for the full year, please click here.
 
Inclement Weather Policy (we never expected to be publishing this so early!):
In general, the School does not close due to inclement weather. Day families are asked to use their best judgment on the safety of driving to School. If Greenfield public schools or the day student's local school district is closed due to inclement weather, the student's absence will be considered excused as long as the School has been notified of the absence. See page 52 of the Community Handbook for more details.
 
 
What is the Culture Buddy Program?    
The Culture Buddy program was launched last year after the School’s Community Alliance group recognized the need to better assist our international students in making a smooth transition to living and studying at Stoneleigh-Burnham School. The program matches a domestic student with a new international student (often within the same grade) so the students can correspond even before they arrive on campus. There are gatherings, activities and field trips planned throughout the year which allow the students to have fun together and establish friendships outside of their cultural group. The goals of the program are to assist international students in finding answers to cultural questions, integrate them into the SBS community, encourage cross-cultural understanding and communication, create stronger ties and build lasting and rewarding friendships between students.
 
The program has grown to 27 culture buddy “pairings” in the current school year and all indications (including how much fun the girls have when they are together) confirm that it has been successful. Two “Bring your Culture Buddy to Lunch” days and an ice cream social have been well attended. Plans for additional off-campus activities are underway. For more information on the program, please contact Sharon Weyers, Minhee Kang or Andrea Patt.
 
Congratulations!    
Congratulations to the following students who have earned BONUS level in the Upper School Privilege System:  Sara Baksh, Yasmin Baksh, Claire Callahan, Olivia Fernandez, Lizzy Galluzzo, Rachel Gledhill, Rebecca Jawed, Jane Logan, Tillula Lowe-Stuart, Elaina Munsill, Hannah Reynolds, Kate Strousse and Brandi Weyers.  Keep up the good work, girls.
 
For more information about the Privilege System, please read page 44 of the Community Handbook. 
Miriam Emerson Peters Speakers Series    
On Thursday, November 10 at 7:00 p.m. Gail Carlson, a professor at Colby College, will present "How Everyday Products Impact Your Health and What You Can Do About It"

It is well-known that environmental threats like air pollution and climate change negatively impact human health.  What may be less well-known are the health impacts of the production, use, and disposal of everyday products, from cosmetics and cookware to computers and carpets.  Fortunately, there are steps that citizens can take to protect themselves and others from these health risks.

Gail Carlson teaches courses in the Environmental Studies Program at Colby College, including "The Environment and Human Health" and "Environmental Activism."  She is on the Board of Directors of the Environmental Health Strategy Center, a Maine-based nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting people from environmental hazards.  She has a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Originally from Wisconsin, Gail lives in Waterville, Maine with her husband and two children.

The Miriam Emerson Peters Speaker Series is mandatory for all upper school students and optional for middle school students.
    
Upcoming Fall Athletic Events    
A list of upcoming games and events for the next few weeks is below. We hope you'll come support our teams!
 
Riding
Sat. 11/12/11 Stoneleigh-Burnham Horse Show 
 
JV Volleyball
Sat. 11/5/11 vs. Cushing Academy 4:30 p.m.
Mon. 11/7/11 vs. Northfield Mount Hermon 4:30 p.m.
 
Varsity Volleyball
Wed. 11/2/11 @ MacDuffie School 3:00 p.m.
Sat. 11/5/11 vs. Cushing Academy 3:00 p.m.
Wed. 11/9/11 vs. MacDuffie School 3:00 p.m.
 
 JV Soccer
Wed. 11/2/11 vs. Bement School
Sat. 11/5/11 vs. Deerfield Academy 1:30 p.m.
Wed. 11/9/11 @ Williston Northampton 2:15 p.m.
 
Varsity Soccer
Wed. 11/2/11 RVAL Championship Game 3:00 p.m.
Fri. 11/4/11 RVAL Championship Game 4:30 p.m.
Sun. 11/6/11 RVAL Championship Game 3:00 p.m.
Wed. 11/9/11 vs. MacDuffie School 3:00 p.m. 
All Parents of 8th Graders    

Please Come!

Informational Meeting about the  9th Grade / Upper School

Thursday, November 17, 2011

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon 

(just before Thanksgiving pick-up)

in the Meeting Room

 

Structured as a panel discussion, the agenda will cover changes in the academic and boarding programs, introduction of Class Forums, the IB Diploma program, and other aspects of the school unique to the Upper School. There will be ample opportunity for you to get all your questions answered!
    

Admissions Open House    
Do you know a Stoneleigh-Burnham girl? We have an upcoming Open House on November 11 and another one on January 16. Of course, families are welcome to come see us any time that's convenient to them. Please contact Laura Lavallee (413-774-2711 ext. 257) with any questions or referrals.
    
    
    
    
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