Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Give A Little Thanks

The Holton-Arms community gathered before the break for one of our favorite traditions - the Thanksgiving Assembly! The assembly opened with the three division choruses singing Now I Walk in Beauty by Gregg Smith.

Next, Head of School Susanna Jones, along with a student from each division, shared thoughts on gratitude followed by the community sing-a-long. Songs included All the Good People by Bob Zentz, Give a Little Thanks by Middle School Instructor Steven Cutts, and This Land is your Land by Woody Guthrie. Happy

Thanksgiving everyone!






All The Good People - Class of 2014 Tribute

Holton faculty and staff led the sing-a-long at our recent Thanksgiving Assembly and Upper School History Teacher Bob Tupper did what he has done for as long as he can remember - write a verse in honor of the graduation class. Happy Thanksgiving Class of 2014!


Thanksgiving Assembly - Now I Walk In Beauty

At The Scene we get so excited for the Holidays. There are so many things to be grateful for...school, friends, family, and the voices of these angels. This is just the beginning of the performing arts that await us in the coming weeks. Be sure to check the arts calendar for upcoming performances and join us on campus for a holiday treat.

Happy Holidays!


Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Grade 10 Community Outreach



The Scene just received this letter from Parent Association Grade 10 Parent Rep Noel Bradley to the Class of 2016 on a job well done on their recent community service.

Dear 10th grade students,

Congratulations on the success of your community service projects last Wednesday!

Your enthusiasm, hard work, organization, creativity and can-do attitude were extremely impressive!  You should be proud of yourselves.  It was several jobs well done!

I’ve attached a few photos, including those that show the living room at Stepping Stones Shelter piled with your donations – which filled 3 vans! -- many boxes full of toiletries, housewares, and mens, womens, childrens and baby clothing.  Our delivery team also dropped off a HUGE bag filled with your colorful children’s birthday and holiday cards.

This week, I’ll mail out the 150+ holiday cards you made and decorated for wounded warriors – to be distributed by the Red Cross Armed Services Division to U.S. military men and women who will be spending their holidays in hospitals.

I hope you found participating in the process worthwhile.

It was a joy to work with you!

Mrs. Bradley
 
Great job ladies! We are so proud of the good work you accomplish!

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Veterans' Day Upper School Assembly

Veterans' Day Assembly: Honoring Vets and Life Lessons
By Upper School Division Director Lisa Pence
 
Today we welcomed Navy Lieutenant Samantha Dugan and former Air Force Captain Kelley Jessee, who captivated the Upper School community with their wit, wisdom, and insights into their respective educational journeys and military careers. Lieutenant Dugan currently specializes in US Navy Women's Policy while Ms. Jessee works as a Research and Development Engineer for the Department of Defense.
 
First they explained ways in which we can honor those who serve our country on an ongoing basis: always show respect to the symbols of our country, say a simple "thank you" whenever the opportunity presents itself, send care packages to vets overseas, and participate in the Wounded Warrior Foundation or other veteran-focused organizations.
 
Lt. Dugan and Ms. Jessee then addressed a number of questions posed by the girls, from how they have confronted stereotypes, to the challenges of working in a male-dominated field, to sexual harassment, to their most touching moments while in service. In each case, their responses came from a place of honesty and authenticity that was not lost on the girls, who were hanging on their every word.
 
In conclusion, these smart and engaging women shared with the girls their "Top 10 Bits of Wisdom." I am honored to pass them along so that we can reinforce the messages and perhaps benefit from them ourselves!
  1. BE POSITIVE -- positive energy is powerful & contagious!
  2. Be true to yourself -- you are amazing and unique!
  3. Your peers are not your enemy -- learn mutual respect and treat others well.
  4. Self-esteem is a building block for life – cultivate it in your peers by telling them their strengths.
  5. Be flexible -- when plans are changed it doesn’t mean failure! Make the best of a new opportunity.
  6. Teamwork matters – learn to work well with others.
  7. Be well-rounded personally – academics, athletics, and arts!
  8. Never stop learning
  9. Identify what you are passionate about and let that guide you.   Your heart knows happiness.
  10. Learn to love YOURSELF!
 
Please ask your daughter about this wonderful assembly, as I am sure they will not soon forget it -- nor do we want them to!