May 18, 2013

Saint John School 2nd Trimester Honor Roll

The following students are recognized in the Saint John School 2nd Trimester Honor Roll:

High Honors

Grade 8: Tess Buschmann, Carmen Clarkin

Grade 7: Bridgid Selfors and Luke Schoonmaker

Grade 6: Gabriel Bartolotta, Lila Fraser, Catherine McKiernan, Liam Milewski, Kevin Ryff and Katherine Schumann

Grade 5: Shane Henderson

Honors

Grade 8: Rachel Breault, Tim Carlin, Gus Cummins, Rachel Denya, Julia DiBella, James Kolb, Kaela Milewski, Han Bin Yoo  and Julianna Zablocki

Grade 7: Shannon Carlin, Isaac Doggart, Joseph Finnegan, Connel Henderson, Noah Kagel, Estaphanie Peralta, and Brian Poeschl

Grade 6: Owen Curran, Evelyn Kadlec, Lucas Morris, Sophia Pellini, Jack Schoonmaker, and Alexander Siegelman

Grade 5: Amanda Beck, Sylvana Burno, William Curran, Eli Doggart, Sara Farnoli, Olin Frederiks, Olivia Kollmer, Margaret Milardo, Bridget Neri, James Slusarz

Students From Saint John and Sacred Heart Schools Raise Over $1,000 for Operation Homefront

The Saint John School, Old Saybrook, and Sacred Heart School, Groton, JV and Varsity girls basketball teams teamed up to raise money recently to benefit Operation Homefront.

Sales of patriotic cupcakes and signatures on a banner to support the troops were just some of the fundraisers held during their regular season game on Tuesday, January 24.

The student-athletes, coaches, and families raised over $1,000 to benefit Operation Homefront, which provides emergency, financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and the Wounded Warriors.

See What is Beyond Books at the Country School

Join Us for Hands-On Learning
Sunday, October 23, 2011 1pm-3pm

The Country School welcomes you to our Hands-On Learning event where you’ll be able to see for yourself the kind of education our students receive. Not only will you see it, you’ll be able to experience it through a variety of activities that are planned for both students and parents. Come and see how our hands-on approach to education sets us apart from other schools and makes The Country School the place for your child to grow – outside and in.

RVSP to admission@thecountryschool.org

Valley Regional High School Field Hockey Team Run to Support Local Scholarship Fund

The Valley Regional High School Field Hockey Team will run en masse in support of Old Saybrook High School and Westbrook High School Scholarship Fund at the 2nd Annual Saybrook Point 5K Road Race on Saturday August 27, 2011- 7:30am – 10:30 am.

This road race is the first in a series of awareness and fundraising events to benefit the community and the Valley Regional High School Field Hockey team.

For more details contact Stella Beaudoin at 860-304-7081  or email her at stellabeaudoin@comcast.net

Saint John School Summer Open House

Old Saybrook, CT – From 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 28, an Open House will be held for families with Pre-K three year olds through students in Grade 8, interested in attending Saint John School. Meet school principal, parents and students for tours and Q & A. Personal tours during the summer are also available by appointment.

Saint John School is fully accredited with certified teachers, and is known for its excellent academics. A comprehensive 6th to 8th grade Middle School program, including science lab and Spanish language instruction, prepares students to excel in high school and beyond. Full day Pre-K and Kindergarten is offered, including structured academics and creative play. A secure, modern facility, close-knit family atmosphere, and adherence to Christian values, provides the ideal environment for “educating the whole child.” In addition to regular classroom instruction, the school offers a before and aftercare program, a tournament-winning sports program, instrument lessons and band, and many clubs and activities for all ages.

Saint John School serves all children in grades Pre-K3 through Grade 8 and is now accepting admission registrations for the 2011-2012 school year. For more information, please call 860-388-0849.

Old Saybrook High School to Present “Fiddler on the Roof”

Old Saybrook High School Opening Performance of Fiddler on the Roof April 1

Old Saybrook High School is proud to announce that this year’s spring musical will be the timeless classic  “Fiddler on the Roof.”

The opening performance will be Friday, April 1, at 7 p.m. This will be followed by the extremely popular 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, April 2, which includes a “Meet the Cast/Autograph” session on stage after the show. The third and final performance is at 7 p.m. on April 2.

John DeNicolo, one of the shoreline’s busiest directors, has returned to work with a talented cast of 45 students. Susan Clarke oversees the entire production as well as providing the vocal direction. The choreographer for the show is Tara Winch, the school’s Associate Principal, and Mark Slater will conduct the twenty-piece orchestra.

The winner of the 1964 Tony Award for Best Musical, “Fiddler on the Roof” has won the hearts of people around the world. It is a magical show that weaves music, dance, poignancy, and laughter into an electrifying and unforgettable experience. Featuring the Broadway favorites, “Tradition”, “Matchmaker, Matchmaker”, “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Sunrise, Sunset”, this is a show the whole family can enjoy.  It’s a great opportunity for all ages to continue the Saybrook tradition of supporting live theater by attending this blockbuster production!

Tickets for the show are only $10 and can be obtained at Harbor Books on Main Street in Old Saybrook or by calling 860-304-2424.

St. John School Enrollment

St. John School in Old Saybrook is currently holding registration for their fall 2011 Pre-K and Kindergarten Program.  Pre-K 3 year old and 4 year old programs offer options of 2, 3, and 5 days, including a full day option too.  Kindergarten is full day with a structured, nurturing program including academics, creativity, and religion. 

St. John School at 42 Maynard Road, houses students from Pre-K up to eighth grade.  Tours and a shadow program can be arranged by personal appointment through the office all year long.  The school is fully accredited with certified teachers, has a tournament winning sports program, and many clubs and activities for all ages. 

Information can be obtained by calling the office at 860-388-0849.

Old Saybrook Garden Club Offers $1,000 Scholarship

The Old Saybrook Garden Club is offering a $1,000 Scholarship to an Old Saybrook resident.  The scholarship will be awarded to a public or private high school senior or an undergraduate student at an accredited two- or four-year college or university. 

The applicant must plan to pursue a course of study in botany, city planning, conservation, forestry, horticulture, land management, landscape design or any field of environmental science.

For further information please send a request for an application to Old Saybrook Garden Club, P.O. Box 113, Old Saybrook CT 06475, Attention: Betty O’Brien Scholarship Committee.  All applications should be submitted by April 15, 2011.

Middletown Adult Education offers External Diploma Program

Are you looking for a better job, more pay, a new career or looking to advance in your current job?  Middletown Adult Education’s External Diploma Program offers an opportunity.

Adult Education can help you accomplish your goals. Applicants are being enrolled now in the National External Diploma Program. The NEDP is an experience-based program for mature adults who have been away from the classroom for a while.  It incorporates a person’s life experiences, from family to work, into activity-oriented tasks designed to meet certain basic competencies.  It is a complete system that enables adults to demonstrate skills for which a high school diploma is awarded. 

The External Diploma Program was created to provide competent adults with an alternative method of receiving recognition for the skills they already possess and use.  The need for an alternative process arose when it became clear that traditional methods of testing were not always appropriate or adequate for adults with testing anxiety or those who had been out of school for many years.

Some of the ways the EDP differs from more traditional high school programs include:

  • Recognizing and rewarding the success achieved through practical life experiences
  • Awarding credit for what adults already know while allowing them to learn what they do not know 
  • Ensuring confidentiality
  • Classes are free and offered day and evening
  • Flexible scheduling – work at home and attend class as little as once a week
  • Satisfying requirements in as little as one semester
  • Awarding a traditional high school diploma

This nationally accredited program is staffed by experienced, certified teachers.  Diplomas are issued by the Middletown Board of Education, and approved by the Connecticut State Board of Education.  Many clients continue on to college or a vocational training program upon graduation.

Middletown Adult Education is open days and evenings and they are located at 210 Main Street, Old Saybrook.  Call 860-343-6048 for more information or visit our website at www.maect.org.

Basketball competition and Open House at St. John School

St. John School in Old Saybrook will be holding a Winter Open House and community basketball competition on Sunday Feb. 6.   Boys and girls ages 10-14 can participate in the local level of competition for the Knights of Columbus annual free throw basketball championship. 

This local competition is sponsored by the Old Saybrook council. There is no charge for this event and local winners will go on to compete at the district level immediately afterwards in the gym.  Registration is at noon and competition is at 1:00 p.m.  Written parental consent is necessary to take part.

A children’ s activity room will also be available for children under age 10, including a movie, crafts, and refreshments. 

The host site, St. John School, will be conducting a “Winter Open House” simultaneously with these activities.  Classrooms will be open for no obligation tours, (1:00 – 3:00) with faculty and parents available for questions and tuition information.

The public is invited for any or all of these events.  St. John School is a Roman Catholic pre k – eighth grade  school  and is now accepting registrations for the 2011-12 school year.

For additional information, please contact Bob Daley at 860.388.6383  or St. John School at 860.388.0849.

Lyme Academy College Welcomes Volunteers from the Community

Approaching from the south, Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts stands proudly on the left-hand side of Lyme Street immediately before the I 95 overpass.

 

“The College believes the fine arts are of unique importance as a defining, substantive element of society, and life itself ; further that educated artists are individuals who not only articulate their culture, but who give shape and substance to that culture”

Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts is an accredited college offering a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in painting, sculpture, drawing and illustration, as well as a three-year Certificate, and a Post Baccalaureate Certificate. The College also hosts a variety of Continuing Education courses including a Pre-college program for high school students. 

Having transitioned from an academy to an accredited, degree-granting college some 14 years ago, the College is gaining national prominence with graduates who are shaping the future of art across the country.  

Volunteers work with staff in this creative environment to provide support in many ways, including: 

  • Public relations
  • Computer and database support
  • Special event planning and development
  • Cataloguer/archivist
  • Art store assistant
  • Library assistant
  • Receptionist 

For a complete list of volunteer opportunities, visit www.lymeacademy.edu

The College welcomes community members who would like to support the production of art through volunteer efforts.  Administrative staff will work with you to tailor your role to fit both your interest, and your schedule.  

Mother and daughter Insuk (standing) and Kiana Hainsworth are long-time volunteers at the College

Volunteers representing a wide spectrum of ages currently work at the College.  Mother and daughter Insuk and Kiana Hainsworth of Lyme have been volunteering at the College for some two years.  They work – sometimes together and other times alone – in a variety of administrative capacities.  Insuk took on a key role for the 2010 annual Scholarship Party – , the College’s biggest fundraising event – when she chaired the mailing list committee for the event.  

Insuk comments, “Through volunteering, I have made friends with many of the staff, all of whom are accessible and make the College a very positive environment.  I love the exhibition artwork and the chance to support the students, who produce exceptionally high quality and reasonably priced work.” 

She adds, “The College is beautiful and intimate – I am on a first name basis with the College President and pretty much everyone else on campus.”   Bringing her daughter on board has also been a positive experience for Insuk, who says of 17-year-old Kiana, “She is very comfortable at the College, and has helped with the Scholarship Party, as well as the opening receptions for the six or so exhibitions the College has each year.” 

Opening receptions for art shows at the College are not only popular, but also offer a number of volunteer opportunities for members of the community

The Chauncey Stillman and Sill House Galleries at the College are open to the public with free admission from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  Similarly, all exhibition opening receptions are open to the public and campus tours are available at any time.

For further information about volunteer opportunities or the volunteer program in general, contact Ann de Selding, Director of Alumni and Volunteer Relations, at 860-434-3571, ext. 117, or email adeselding@lymeacademy.edu   

For further information about the College, call Joanne Donaghue at 860-434-3571, ext. 125, or visit www.lymeacademy.edu

Old Saybrook REACH Group Raises Money for Local Substance Abuse Charities

From left to right, Bottom Row: Claire Herrle, Kelly Ledwith, Katie Prozesky, Valerie Sacco, Second Row:Maddie Malinovsky, Isabela Jacobsen, Brittany Rosser, Briana Bardos, Third Row:Kristy Ledwith, Ashley Vigorita, Ali Messina

 The Old Saybrook REACH team is an active group of high school students spreading awareness of substance abuse and raising money for local substance abuse charities.

They have held many successful events and projects in the past two school years, including bringing presentations, bands, posters, and a group of role models in the school as well as advocating to the middle school, the community and much more.

In October last year the REACH team represented Old Saybrook at the 5k walk , raising $344 to prevent drunk driving and underage drinking.  More recently the REACH team raised $138 through the sale of red ribbons and candy canes to fellow students at Old Saybrook High School. The proceeds of these sales were donated by the REACH team to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving).

If any high school students are interested in joining the club, contact either Katie Prozesky or Briana Bardos. If any parents have any concerns or suggestions for the REACH team, please contact Youth Coordinator Kristen Cartier at Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services, 860-395-3190, or via email at kcartier@town.old-saybrook.ct.us.

Everything’s “All Set” with the Proctors

Husband-and-wife team Jeanne and Daniel Proctor have been directing plays and designing the sets, respectively, for Old Saybrook High School since 1991. OldSaybrookNow.com asked what their inspirations were for the upcoming “Twelfth Night.” 

What is your scene design philosophy?

DP:  The set should be the “machine” to aid the actor to look good, sound good on stage, and to move them from one place to the other. The ultimate force is the script taking what its needs are and how many people are in it (the scene at a time). Also, generally in scene design, to keep the audience aware of what’s going on and where they are, you have to identify one side of the stage with being a certain place and the other side of the stage to be a certain place. This goes back to the Greek and Roman tradition.

Have you been a set designer your whole life?

DP: After I got out of the Navy during the Vietnam War era, I went to the Yale School of Drama and I trained there as a lighting designer. Because I was skilled at watercolor and drawing, I was allowed to take classes with the design students. My first job out of Yale was at SUNY Brockport. I went from there to Tufts University as the technical director (lighting style). I left there for Yale University and stayed there for four years.

Do you have any input for the set design, Mrs. Proctor?

 JP: We always have a conversation about the needs of the play, what’s going to help us to stage it, and what is going to help the audience know where they are.

Why did you choose “Twelfth Night?”

 JP: The students last year liked “Attack Theatre” (where students run into the class room and perform short scenes of Shakespeare) so much that they were very motivated to do Shakespeare.  Shakespeare allows for imaginative creativity. Shakespeare is funny. It’s about love, trickery, and finding our identity. It’s all things high schoolers deal with.

What do you like being a director for high school students? :

JP: They (the students) apply what they learn in the classroom. The stakes are high. They learn to rely on each other. They have to perform in front of their peers. They learn that other people are relying on them and they develop a valuable sense of community.

Twelfth Night: “A Comedy of Errors”

Entire cast - Photo Matt Pavlos

Last week, Old Saybrook High School’s drama department put on the Shakespearean comedy “Twelfth Night.” The audience was reminded during the pre-show that the set “looks like Old Saybrook, but it’s NOT Old Saybrook.” The show was set in the present day with various 1960s and 1970s songs to keep everyone humming.

Directed by high school English and drama teacher Jeanne Proctor, “Twelfth Night” transports the audience to the mysterious seashores of Illyria. Viola (Sarah Schuster) has been shipwrecked on Illyria and her brother, Sebastian (Morgan Lyons) is believed to be dead. Viola decides to work for Duke Orsino (Jeremy King) and the Duke asks Viola to woo the mourning Lady Olivia (Nicki Palmer) for him.

 Meanwhile, Sir Andrew Auguecheek (Hunter Spitale), Sir Toby (Teddy Gudis), Maria (Briana Bardos), and Feste (Mary-Kate Hoey) play tricks on Malvolio (Tyler Smith), who is also in love with Olivia.

Sarah Schuster as Viola/Cesario after the "duel" (boxing match). - Photo Matt Pavlos

Sarah Schuster portrayed Viola. Throughout most of the play, Viola takes up the name Cesario and dresses like her brother. Schuster’s body language was very telling of the awkward situations Cesario was put in. The funniest scene with “Cesario” was when “he” was challenged to a duel with Sir Toby. This scene was played for laughs. Instead of a traditional sword fight, this scene was updated to a boxing match.

Nicki Palmer played Lady Olivia. Olivia is grieving for her brother. She and her court are draped in black. Cesario helps Lady Olivia come out of her shell. It was funny when Olivia mistook Sebastian for Cesario and they kissed, but Sebastian didn’t know why.

  The play ended with the traditional “Twelfth Night Song (The Rain, it Raineth Everyday)” and the characters looking up at the glowing full moon.

Daniel Proctor’s set captured the essence and beautiful simplicity of Saybrook Point. The set was a boardwalk and a on the scrim sat a cardboard cutout silhouette of Fenwick and various houses seen from the Old Saybrook causeway. Jeanne Proctor’s direction was wonderful and the cast members had great comedic timing.

 Oldsaybrooknow.com can’t wait for the next production: “Sweeney Todd.”

Old Saybrook inspired set by Daniel Proctor - Photo Matt Pavlos

The Country School Sponsors Programs at Acton Library

The Country School in Madison will be sponsoring two programs at Acton Public Library on Nov. 30 – “Fun with World Languages” and “Forgotten in the Middle?”

Fun with World Languages will be an interactive fun session for elementary school children and their parents. Led by Michele Schofield, World Language Teacher and participant in the Yale University East Asian Studies Program.  This will be held in the Acton Library on Nov. 30 from 4-5 p.m.

Forgotten in the Middle? will provide an opportunity to join experts from The Country School to learn what Middle School researchers found about preparing your child for success in high school, college, and career. For parents and Middle School students. This will be held in the Acton Library on Nov. 30 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The Country School, Madison

The Country School will also be holding an Open House on Jan. 30 from 1 to 3 p.m.   The County School’s unparalleled outdoor education program features a garden classroom where students from preschool toGrade 8 learn to grow –food, plants, and flowers. Combined with the traditional academic disciplines, these outdoor experiences challenge students in ways that build character – giving them the confidence inside themselves for success in the outside world.

Visit the Open House: Jan. 30, 2011 from 1 to 3 p.m. 341 Opening Hill Rd, Madison. 203-421-3113. www.thecountryschool.org

Local “Best Buddies” Decorate an Xtreme Tree For Fundraising Gala

'Best Buddies' Jacob Faulkingham and Alex Berthiume put their painting skills to work.

In a collaboration with The Clayhouse, Old Saybrook ’Best Buddies’  from the Old Saybrook Middle School painted ornaments to hang on the “Twelve Days of Christmas + Hannukah” XTreme Tree, which was made by various artists from  Gallery One, Old Saybrook.

The “tree” will be auctioned off to benefit the CT Audubon Society Ecotravel  at the XTreme Tree – Birds N’Boughs gala event tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 20,  at the Left Bank Gallery, Main St, Essex.  

‘Best Buddies’ is a peer program to build a sense of community for students, and all the participants enjoyed their painting experience.

The “Trees” are on view through until the evening of the gala at the Left Bank Gallery.  

A few tickets for the gala are still available  at $35 in advance, or $40 at the door.

Tickets can be reserved at the Left Bank Gallery or by calling the CAS Ecotravel at 860 767 0660

Veterans’ Day: A Day to Remember

A color guard leads the veterans into the gym.

While the federal government and many Connecticut public schools are off for Veterans’ Day, Old Saybrook High School (OSHS) was open on this holiday and chose to honor the veterans with an assembly.

At school, students learn about the importance and similarities of previous wars.  Vietnam veteran Hal Farrington expressed a similar theme when he commented, “The war in Afghanistan is similar to Vietnam. You never know who your enemy is.”

A breakfast was set up for veterans before the assembly.  Many of the veterans were excited to be there.  “They (school administrators ) have been asking me for years to come [to the assembly],  commented Don Sparaco, Vietnam veteran and former OSHS teacher, adding, “It’s very nice.”

Students say the Pledge of Allegiance

At the assembly, the color guard led the veteran’s to their seats.  Old Saybrook High School Principal Oliver Barton had the first remarks of the morning after the Pledge of Allegiance.  He reminded students to, “Recognize and honor the veterans” and that, “Each veteran played a unique and important role.”

Barton asked the veterans to stand and acknowledged each one them by name.  He also mentioned, “Each war reminds us of the complexities and conflicts.  We are indebted to our elders and our history teachers to make sense of it.”

There were five student speakers whose topics ranged from, “What it means to be patriotic,” to their own personal experiences of being in a military family.

The OSHS band concluded with the Armed Forces Medley to end the assembly on a high note.

Ira Lewis, who was a WWII photographer in the Philippines, attended the ceremony. His granddaughter, Rachel Berliner, is a senior at Old Saybrook High School.

“It was beautiful.  I was impressed that the school had an extensive program for Veterans’ Day involving the whole school,” said veteran Ira Lewis, who greatly enjoyed the assembly.

Editor’s Note: Photos by Ira Lewis.

Old Saybrook High School Presents “Twelfth Night”

The Old Saybrook High School (OSHS) Drama Department is performing Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” from Thursday, Nov. 11, through Saturday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the OSHS Auditorium.

Twelfth Night is a comic fairy tale set in an imaginary land, Illyria.  Sebastian, played by Morgan Lyons, and Viola, played by Sarah Schuster, are shipwrecked after a storm and end up forging new lives in this land ruled by Duke Orsino, portrayed by Jeremy King.

Through disguise, Viola, captures Olivia’s heart, played by Nicki Palmer, and chaos ensues.  The comic mechanicals, played by Briana Bardos, Molly Burns, Hunter Spitale and Teddy Gudis, have their own “drama” and delight the audience with their foolery.

Finally, the comic foil, Malvolio (Tyler Smith), receives his comeuppance.  The production is framed by music: Mary-Kate Hoey, as Feste, and Annmarie Bonin, as Curio, charm the cast and audience with their songs, accompanied by senior, Mike Izadi.

Stage manager Matt Pavlos leads the way to the party and keeps them all in check.  Don’t miss the festivities!

Tickets will be on sale for $5 and can be purchased in advance or at the door.  Performances will take place in the Old Saybrook High School Auditorium at 7:30.

For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, call 860-395-3175.

Old Saybrook Chamnber of Commerce Awards $4,000 in Scholarships to Local Students

Four high school seniors are each receiving a helping hand for college in the form of a $1,000 scholarship from the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce.  The Chamber’s C. Wilfred Hunter Memorial Scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated academic achievement and a commitment to community service. This year’s local scholarship winners are:

  • Ian Graham, of Old Saybrook, a graduate of Old Saybrook High School, who will be attending John Hopkins University;
  • Catherine Logan, of Old Lyme, a graduate of Old Lyme High School, who will be attending University of South Carolina;
  • Katelyn Puttre, of Old Saybrook, a graduate of Old Saybrook High School, who will be attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute; and
  • Chiara Scarpelli, of Old Saybrook a graduate of Old Saybrook High School, who will be attending George Washington University.

“The Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce is proud to award four $1,000 scholarships to such outstanding students as they prepare for the next step in their educational careers,” said Diana Melville, President of the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce.  .

“I am impressed with the response to the Chamber’s C. Wilfred Hunter Memorial Scholarship program,” said Kristen Roberts, Chairperson of the Chamber’s Scholarship Committee and Secretary on the Chamber’s Board of Directors.  “These students deserve recognition for the achievements they have made throughout their high school years.” 

Each year, the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce accepts nominations from residents of Old Saybrook or children or employees of Chamber members who are graduating from public or private high school. Students are selected based on academic achievement and community service.  This year’s recipients have participated in a wide variety of community service activities such as serving meals to the less fortunate, promoting awareness of underage substance abuse and helping to coordinate fundraising efforts for a variety of nonprofit organizations.

Proceeds from the Chamber’s annual Chili Fest fund the scholarship program. 

For more information about the Old Saybrook of Commerce and its programs, visit www.oldsaybrookchamber.com..

About the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life in the greater Old Saybrook area, including the nine towns commonly known as the Connecticut River Estuary region. Through a core of volunteers and a professional staff, the Chamber provides leadership, support, and networking within the business community. The Chamber hosts community events and serves as a catalyst to promote tourism, to support educational outreach, and to act as an information resource and public relations center.

Saint John School Hosts “Tween Night” Social to Benefit H.E.A.T.

Saint John School in Old Saybrook will host a free community “Tween Night Social” on Friday, Aug. 6, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the school gymnasium.  The suggested age group is 5th through 8th grade and all students are welcome – vacationers, area towns, Saint John CCD and Saint John School students.  Listen or dance to the sounds of classic rock and Beatles tunes performed by Corner Music School students, under the direction of Jonathan Kehew.  Join us for munchies, gift card drawing and hang-out time.

Admission is free, but monetary donations to benefit Old Saybrook’s H.E.A.T. emergency heating assistance program will be welcome at the door.  Drop-off is permitted for grades 6 through 8; however parents will be required to sign their children in and out.  Students entering 5th grade are invited, but a parent will be required to remain in attendance during the event.

Tours, fall registration, and school information is available during summer office hours.  A comprehensive Middle School program prepares students to excel in high school and beyond.  Come learn about our excellent academics, how we educate the “whole child,” experience our modern facility and nurturing environment.  Saint John School serves all children in grades Pre-K through 8 and is now accepting admissions registrations for the 2010-2011 school year.  For more information, please call 860.388.0849, email admissions@stjohnschoolos.com or visit our website www.StJohnSchoolOS.com.

Carolyn Greenleaf Fund Now Accepting Applications for Fall Music Scholarship

The Carolyn Greenleaf Fund is accepting applications for a music scholarship for talented high school students. The scholarship was established at Middlesex County Community Foundation in 2007 to honor the memory of Carolyn Greenleaf, a resident of Essex who was passionate about music education and who worked tirelessly to promote music in our communities.

The award is made twice each school year for a 17 week session of 30 minute private lessons at an institution of the recipient’s choice. The scholarship is not renewable, and can only be won once by an individual. The scholarship is based on merit, not financial need, and is open to residents of Middlesex County and to students residing in Old Lyme and East Lyme.

The deadline for application for the Fall 2010 semester is 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 27, 2010 . Applications may be obtained by visiting Middlesex County Community Foundation’s website at www.MiddlesexCountyCF.org Completed applications should be sent to: The Carolyn Greenleaf Fund c/o Patricia Hurley 15 Main Street, Ivoryton, CT 06442 Questions may be directed to Ms. Hurley at 860-767-9725.

The Middlesex County Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Middlesex County. Its two-fold mission is: (1) to work with charitably-minded individuals and organizations to build permanent endowments and other charitable funds and (2) to support local nonprofit organizations through effective grant making to address community needs.

Since its founding in 1997, the Community Foundation has provided more than $1.5 million in grants to more than 200 organizations for the arts, cultural and heritage programs, educational activities, environmental improvements, and for health and human services. For more information call 860-347-0025, email info@MiddlesexCountyCF.org or visit the website: www.MiddlesexCountyCF.org.

Meet the New OSHS Principal

 One thing I learned at Common Ground was that students will rise to the expectations we set for them.  High expectations and engaging courses can motivate students to work really hard.  There is serious academic success at OSHS and students engaged in exciting learning at the school.  I believe that high achievement and excitement for learning should be the norm for all students, classes, and activities.
I will also bring an environmentalist’s perspective to the school.  The environment is one area where the challenges we face as a species require new and creative solutions that transcend academic disciplines.  Students need skills in innovation, self-direction, and communication that can be fostered at school. What attracted you to Old Saybrook High School?
 
I was very impressed with the Old Saybrook community’s overall commitment to high quality education.  I was especially impressed by the high school’s success academically, complemented by huge participation rates and success in arts and athletics.  The school’s commitment to community service and career exposure (through internships and the WISE program) are also huge assets.
What is your greatest achievement at Common Ground High School?  

Common Ground has been successful at providing a college-preparatory education to urban students using an environmental theme.  Ninety percent of our students went on to college.  I think my greatest accomplishment has been in engaging stellar staff in the on-going development of the program.  When I started, Common Ground was just an idea.  It’s now a successful high school and environmental education center.

What is your favorite book?  
 
My favorite novel is One Hundred Years of Solitude (Cien Años de Soledad) by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, which I recently read again in Spanish.  My favorite piece of non-fiction is Changes in the Land by William Cronon, a chronicle of changes in the New England landscape based on European colonization.   I like them both because they helped me view the world from a new perspective.

Is there a particular area of the environment for which you advocate or in which you are involved?

My deepest environmental belief is that all humans, and all other organisms, thrive on interaction with and reliance on healthy ecosystems.  I believe that interaction with the natural world is critical for human development, and that understanding the natural world and its limits are important to the continued advancement of our species.  I believe the most fundamental and global environmental concerns are reversing climate change and preserving natural resources, including water.  I would like to see the high school contribute to the conservation of resources and reduction of its carbon footprint.  Improving recycling might be a valuable first step.
What other interests do you have outside school?

I enjoy sailing small boats, exercising, and restoring old houses.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I am truly excited by the opportunity to lead the high school to new levels of success based on its current achievements.  Every school, regardless of its strengths, has opportunities for additional growth and excellence.  I appreciate the input of students, staff, parents, and community members toward achieving that goal.

We welcome Oliver Barton to the Old Saybrook community and wish him success in achieving his goals and beliefs for both the school and community.