Congratulations to Julian Abbott ’18 for his outstanding performance at the Maine Music Educators Association Jazz All-State auditions! His extremely high score earned him the tenor saxophone seat in the elite Jazz All-State Combo. Festival organizers report that over 370 students from 65 schools auditioned for a spot in one of the five ensembles. This year’s festival will be hosted by South Portland High School,January 11-13, 2018.
PRIDE Presents Ally Week!
PRIDE ALLY WEEK
This week PRIDE calls our attention to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning voices in our community. PRIDE: Promoting Respect Integrity Diversity and Equality- values people, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation, and believes all people should be treated with dignity and respect. Waynflete values relationships and has in its core beliefs that diversity is part of excellence. PRIDE invites us all to reflect and revisit how we express our respect and support to our LGBTQ+ students, faculty and families.
PRIDE is sharing what an ALLY is and offering activities to for student and faculty ALLIES to show their support. Here are some highlights.
- Big Waynflete Allies Banner with handprints
- PRIDE announcement at assembly
- Social to learn about LGBTQ+representation in the library
- Discussion groups around stereotyping
- Wear your rainbow of support dress
- “I am an ALLY because…” signs
Student Perspectives on What Matters Most
This post is the first in a new series on USNow featuring student perspectives on what matters most to them.
Last year was my first year at Waynflete. I realized before the end of my first week, that this was the school for me. The freedom, community, teachers, sports, and classes called my name. My old school was limited; two classes with 25 people, almost no separated learning abilities, and no teachers had any trust in their students. How were we supposed to prepare ourselves for the real world being by ourselves and on our own? (more…)
Georgia to Maine in seven steps
Students in Tim Hebda’s 4-5 class were recently immersed in the thematic study of westward migration in the United States. Territorial and state geography is an essential part of the story, so Tim decided to employ technology—including cameras, projectors, and Skype—to connect Waynflete students with similarly aged students in “mystery locations” around the world. His hope was that these conversations would help students comprehend the scale of some of these travels.
Starting with “are you east or west of the Mississippi?”, it took seven guesses for Waynflete students to pinpoint the location of the mystery school: Georgia!
Tim has several more mystery Skypes planned in the coming weeks, including locations outside of the United States.
How many guesses would it take for you to pinpoint the location of a random Skype user?
Welcome!
Welcome to the Middle School section of the Waynflete Wire, where you’ll get a glimpse of the day-to-day activities and rhythms in our division.
So much of what we do in Middle School is celebrate the immediacy of experience and build skills and voice. We hope that this blog will awaken your curiosity and invite you into our cozy corner of the school.
We will feature faculty interviews, student impressions, and resources about all-things Middle School. Look for new content every week!
Cheers,
Divya
Fall Play Rehearsal Underway
Rehearsals are underway for the fall play, Shakespeare’s AS YOU LIKE IT. Check out the gallery above!
The cast of twenty along with several crew members were treated to a workshop with the teaching artists from Portland Stage Company this week. We explored a variety of concepts and added to techniques to help us bring Shakespeare’s play to life. Actors engaged physically with the text, strengthened their connections as an ensemble, created the “Forest of Arden” and setting for this play, made choices that acknowledge their characters’ social status, and choreographed an impromptu dance.
In addition the hardworking stage crew has already begun some impressive work on an ambitious set.
Convocation 2017
The entire school was treated to a wonderful convocation ceremony this past Thursday. It is one of the few times during the year when the entire student body and all the faculty and staff are together. Geoff opened the gathering with some words about change—Butterflies of Change being the theme for the year. Waynflete is undergoing a major change with the Lower School and the shifting classroom locations this year have been embraced by all. LS and US students are mixing regularly and it has been a joy to see them on Waynhenge. Check out a highlight of the ceremony below—Ami, Grade 3, sings “Imagine” accompanied by Chris Beaven, Director of Performing Arts. It was an incredible moment!
Convocation 2017 – Ami sings “Imagine” from Waynflete on Vimeo.
Opening of School Remarks from US Director Lowell Libby
Greetings, and welcome back from your soggy week. I heard from one trip leader after another, Waynflete teachers, AMC and Chewonki leaders, everyone with whom you came in contact how awesome you all were, despite the weather. By rising to the challenge, you have beautifully illustrated a key lesson in life, which is that the quality of an experience is largely dependent on how you choose to show up for it. You all chose well last week.
As we start the school year together, I have been thinking about an age old debate on the purpose of a formal education. Should our focus as educators be on preparing you to live in the world as it exists, or should we focus on helping you to be change agents, shaping the world into something better.
At Waynflete we have always tried to do both. We want to prepare you for success in college and the fast changing world you will encounter thereafter, but we also want to prepare you to be agents of change.
That is why your teachers emphasize thinking critically and creatively in every class as well as mastering content. We want you to be thinkers.
That is why we support you in doing community service. We strive to cultivate an ethic of caring participation in the world. We want you to be doers.
That is why we work at offering you interesting classes and give you as much choice as possible over what you study. We want you to be engaged learners and know how to take charge of your own education.
That is why we engage you in difficult conversations about pressing social issues. We want you to be aware of what is going on around you and give you opportunities to practice articulating your own ideas and experiences and learning from those of your teachers and peers.
That is why we don’t have bells and why I wait for your attention at assembly rather than yell for it. We want you to pay attention and be ready to do what needs to be done.
That is why we put so much trust in you and expect you live up to it. The world needs responsible, aware, and self-governing citizens.
It’s really good that we focus as a school on both preparing you to thrive in a fast changing world and to be agents of change because there is a lot about our world that needs changing. In fact, improving the world was on the mind of our head of school, Geoff Wagg, when the faculty gathered two weeks ago in this room for the first faculty meeting of the year. He started the meeting by reflecting on the ugly events this summer that took place in Charlottesville, Virginia, events that showcased a deep seated bigotry of the worst kind and a frightening animosity that ultimately spilled into violence.
After reflecting on the events at Charlottesville, Geoff played a video for the faculty that I would like to share with you as well. It is an illustrated version of American poet laureate Maya Angelou, whose picture is projected behind me, reading her poem “Human Family.”
You might remember this poem from an Apple ad during the Olympics last summer. Despite the commercialization of her message, I think Maya Angelou’s voice is one to which we should be listening at a time when Charlottesville can and did happen. Her poem expresses a core value around which healthy communities thrive.
As we start a new school year, we won’t have much of an opportunity to affect what happens going forward in Charlottesville, but we do have complete control over what kind of a community we create together at Waynflete. If you show up everyday and do your part in creating the kind of community in which we all want to live, you will develop a habit and a mindset that you will eventually bring with you into the world beyond Waynflete. As you do that, you will automatically become the agents for positive change that the world so desperately needs and that I know you all can be.
I look forward to our year together. Thank you for listening. Advising in next.
Outdoor Experience Returns!
It was a bit wet, but another incredible year of Outdoor Experience is in the books! Reports were uniformly positive from students, faculty, and the guides that assist us in putting these trips together. Check out some pictures below, and an amazing video created by Tyler Ren ’21.
Fall Play Auditions—As You Like It
AUDITIONS FOR the Upper School Fall Play
AS YOU LIKE IT
by William Shakespeare
Thursday, Sept. 14 and Friday Sept. 15 3:30-5:30pm – Franklin Theater
Performances: November 2 – 4
No preparation necessary!
Scripts and audition packets are available in the library and in the drama office (Art Center A-018). Or print out the audition packet by clicking here.
If you like wrestling, the woods, bad (and good) poetry, sheep, bizarre plot twists, music, cross-dressing and happy endings…come be a part of this cast and crew!
We are looking for musicians and poster designers too!
Be in touch with Tiki Fuhro ()
Please enjoy these inspirational videos
RSC trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpEqv7DAPV4
The plot of AS YOU LIKE IT in LEGO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOOXZdqkpHA
ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE
Fall Sports Underway
Soccer balls are flying all over the Fore River Fields, Cross Country runners are zooming by, and Field Hockey has taken up their annual residence at Maine Girl’s Academy. It’s been a great season so far, and we encourage you to come watch some games. Check out the schedule, and keep an eye on this post for photos, news stories, and more.
Yesterday, Tuesday 9/12 both soccer teams had satisfying wins at home. The Boys took down rival NYA, and the Girls had a huge win over previously undefeated Wells. Read about the NYA game here.
Important Messages for US Parents from Lowell
Dear Upper School Parents,
It is easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of information coming at you at the start of school. To make things a little easier for you, I am writing now to highlight some information that you will find useful:
- Outdoor Experience drop off and pick up times and places
- Important fall calendar reminders
- Highlights of important policies and procedures (Please review all of this information carefully, especially your role in attendance.)
- Behavioral Expectations
I look forward to seeing you all at Open House on Wednesday, September 27. Feel free to call or e-mail your child’s advisor, Cathie Connors (Dean of Students), Ben Lewis (Upper School Assistant), or me with any questions.
Sincerely,
Lowell W. Libby
Upper School Director
Fall Sports Preview
Fall sports have arrived! First games are Friday, September 1st, and the Forecaster has a breakdown of who and what to watch for this coming season. Check out the full article, and get ready to cheer. Go Flyers!
What are Upper School Students Grateful For?
As the school year came to a close in June, US Advisors asked their advisees what they were grateful for. Below is a sampling of their responses; the prominent words in the word cloud above were the most noted in their submissions. Check out all the responses here.
The kind lunch ladies and the great food
The different personalities that contrast in the homeroom
My brother driving me to school each morning
Having supportive teachers
All the meaningful connections I’ve made over these past 4 years
Being welcomed in the high school and for people helping to make me feel comfortable
All of the support, encouragement and happy smiles Waynflete gave me
The strong bonds and friendships I have made this year
Not being a freshman anymore. Also, David Neilan is cool
The community I have grown to love throughout my 4 years here
Constant love
Wonderful relationships between faculty and students
Outdoor Experience Pick-Up/Drop-Off Schedule 2017
More information about Outdoor Experience 2017 can be found on the Waynflete website.
Buses will be running on their regular schedule. Students who take the bus for school may do so for all OE drop-offs (arriving at Waynflete about 8:00am) and pick-ups (leaving Friday at 3:35pm).
9th Grade:
Tuesday 9/5:
Students should be dropped off on Fletcher Street at 8:00am and enter the gym through the back door. Students will meet their leaders in the gym.
Friday 9/8:
Students should be picked up on Danforth Street at 3:00pm.
10th Grade:
Tuesday 9/5:
All Hikers:
Students should be dropped off on Danforth Street by 8:00am. Students should go directly to the classroom in which their leaders told them to meet (this information will be conveyed at group meetings on the 31st).
Boston Service Trip:
Students should meet at the Concord Coach bus station at 7:00am.
Local Service Trip:
Students should be dropped off daily by 8:15am on Spring Street. Students should meet in Ben Mini’s (Emery 13) room. Daily pickup is on Emery St. at 3pm.
Friday 9/8:
All Hikers:
Students should be picked up on Danforth Street at 3:00pm.
Boston Service Trip:
Students should be picked up from Waynflete, on Emery Street, at 3:00pm.
Local Service Trip:
Students should be picked up daily at 3:00pm on Emery Street.
11th Grade:
Tuesday 9/5:
Canoeing:
Students should be dropped off on Emery St. by 8:00am. Meet on the patio outside of David Vaughn’s lab.
Biking Trip:
Students should be dropped off on Emery St in front of the Waynflete sign by 8:00am. Students should meet their leaders in the Student Center.
Kayaking:
Students should be dropped off on Emery St in front of the Waynflete sign by 8:00am. Ben Lewis’ group should meet in Neil Rice’s lab and Mark Bickford’s group should meet in Wendy Curtis’ lab.
Boston Service Trip:
Students should meet at the Concord bus station at 7:00am.
Local Service Trip:
Students should be dropped off daily by 8:15am on Spring Street. Students should meet in Ben Mini’s (Emery 13) room. Daily pickup is on Emery St. at 3pm.
Friday 9/8:
Canoeing:
Students should be picked up on Danforth Street at 3:00pm.
Biking and Kayaking:
Students should be picked up on Danforth Street at 3:00pm.
Boston Service Trip:
Students should be picked up on Emery Street at 3:00pm.
Local Service Trip:
Students should be picked up daily at 3:00pm on Spring Street.
12th Grade:
Tuesday 9/5:
Students should arrive at Emery Street at 12:00pm.
Wednesday 9/6:
Students will return to Thomas House Loop around 7:00pm.
Leeza Kopaeva ’18 Wins Lincoln Club Scholarship
This past spring Leeza Kopaeva was awarded a scholarship by the Lincoln Club after submitting her 500-word essay responding to a quote by President Lincoln. You can read the quote and her essay below; the above photo shows Leeza after being presented with the award. From left to right: Lowell Libby, US Director; Leeza Kopaeva ’18; Robert McCormack, son of the scholarship donor & member of The Lincoln Club; Barbara Harvey, President of The Lincoln Club.
“Let us at all times remember that all American citizens are brothers of a common country, and should dwell together in the bonds of fraternal feeling.”
In the times we are currently living in, this quote speaks to me in a way I am not sure it ever would have before. Our nation, over the past year, has been divided. We have yelled at one another, thrown up our hands in defeat, and have committed acts of violence, both physical and verbal, towards one another based upon one another’s views alone. Free speech is no longer free, for if one’s words do not match the thoughts of another one faces hatred, shame, and fear. We all want greatness, but as Lincoln so eloquently said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand”. In my life, I have never seen such hatred spread so widely from one choice: to vote one way, or to vote another. How have we not understood that we, as American citizens, no matter what party we stand with, are all connected? How have we forgotten that together, beyond the colors of our skin, beyond our gender identities, beyond the people we vote for and beyond the choices that we make, that we are all Americans? We have the power to communicate with one another. We have the power to recognize our bonds and treat one another not as this thing or that, but rather as human beings, sharing space in a nation that gives us all the opportunity to voice our thoughts and our opinions. We have the power to create a common understanding between one another, no matter who we are. It is known that history repeats itself, but only because we do not pay attention to the lessons that we have gained from our previous mistakes. Lincoln’s words ring true over and over again, and it is time, for not just a few, but for all of us, the people of the United States, to listen, for we are “brothers” and we shall live in our “bonds of fraternal feeling”.
Spring Athletes of the Year
Each season The Forecaster highlights athletes at each local high school that had an exemplary season. Check out the Waynflete athletes that made the cut in the article here!
