Bulletin
August 17, 2018
Volume 38, #2

Upcoming Dates to Remember

Please mark your calendars for these traditional beginning-of-the-school-year events for students and families. More details will follow in subsequent eBulletins and emails. 
August 18:      12th Grade Back-to-School Potluck Picnic (5-8 PM, hosted by the Hall/Mayer family)
August 19:       9th Grade Back-to-School Potluck Picnic (12-3 PM, hosted by the Turner/Glennon family)
August 20-21:  Senior Leadership Retreat - 1 PM, Aug. 20 - 3 PM, Aug. 21
August 22-24:  Pre-season Soccer and Cross Country practices, 3 - 5 PM
August 25:       11th Grade Back-to-School Potluck Picnic (5:30 - 7 PM, hosted by the Osborne family)
August 26:       8th Grade Back-to-School Potluck Picnic (3 - 6 PM, at Conway Pond)
                        10th Grade Back-to-School Potluck Picnic (3 - 6 PM, hosted by the Mossman family)
August 27:      Staff - Senior Brunch, 10:30 AM
                         Registration, 2-5 PM in the Sumner Recital Hall at The Academy
                         6th-7th Grade Back-to-School Potluck Picnic (5-7 PM at The Academy)
August 28:      First day of classes
August 31:       Rafting Day
September 3:   Labor Day - no school
September 10:  Rosh Hashanah - no school
September 12:  New Parents Dinner, 6:30 - 8 PM in the Common Room
September 14:  New Faces Dance, 7-10 PM

Registration Packets Sent: 

Please Bring COMPLETED Forms to Registration

Registration packets were mailed on August 10. Contact Jen Mitchell if you haven't yet received your packet. Packets include important documents to be completed prior to Registration and turned in on Monday, August 27, 2-5 PM. Other information in the packets includes your child(ren)'s schedules, descriptions of Studio Block classes, NetClassroom log in information, The Scoop, Zoar permission form, bus schedules and athletic information.

PRE-SEASON ATHLETICS PRACTICES

Soccer and X-Country teams will have pre-season practices Wednesday, August 22 through Friday August 24 from 3 to 5 PM. All athletes participating in those sports for the fall season are expected to attend.
Please bring appropriate attire (cleats, shin guards, running shoes) and a water bottle to practice. Contact John Schatz with any advance questions.

RAFTING DAY 2018: August 31

As is tradition, Academy students and faculty will head to Zoar Outdoor for a fun-filled day of whitewater rafting on the Deerfield River on Friday, August 31. Please make sure that you and your child have signed the release form that was sent out in the registration packet before Registration on Monday, August 27, so that it may be turned in at that time.

The following information is direct from Zoar:

WHAT TO EXPECT:  All guests will be required to wear a Zoar Outdoor-issued PFD (Personal Floatation Device) and helmet. You will also be provided with a paddle. This trip rafts a 10-mile section of class II and III whitewater on the Deerfield River.

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING:  You are required to wear sneakers or other shoes that can be secured to your feet. Water shoes are fine, but no flip-flops or Crocs! In warm summer weather, some guests are comfortable in bathing suits/swim trunks or light layers. However, we ask you do not wear cotton, as it will keep you cold and wet throughout the trip. Wool and synthetic materials such as polypropylene, nylon, and fleece, are appropriate for cooler weather and water temperatures. Any exposed skin should be covered with waterproof sunscreen.

Wetsuits, splash jackets, and neoprene river booties are available if you need them. Expect everything you bring with you on the raft to get wet.
Students who need to wear glasses or sunglasses should come with Croakies, or some such eyewear retainer. Buses will run on a 4:45 PM departure schedule, arriving at their stops approximately 30 minutes earlier than they do when running on the 5:15 schedule.

IMPORTANT:  Please pack a lunch, including water and snacks. These will be transported to the lunch area along the river.

Contact Nora Bates Zale with any questions.


Fall Kayaking Offered!

Due to the popularity of our spring kayaking program with Zoar Outdoor, we will be offering kayaking in both fall and spring seasons this year. Please let John Schatz know as soon as possible if you are interested in kayaking this fall. Note that there is an additional fee of $220 ifor this activity.  

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT NEEDS
LONG-TERM HOST FAMILY

We're very excited to be welcoming two international students to our community this year, Elena from Spain and David from Mexico.
We're still looking for a year-long host family for David, a junior who will be attending The Academy this year. An A-plus student who speaks English well, loves to run, and plays acoustic and electric guitar, He has two sisters at home, ages 12 and 7. 

You don't have to be a gourmet cook or take fantastic trips to host, and a back-up family is available if you need to be away for short periods.

Families with young children, teenagers, grown children or no children are eligible to host. PAX runs the program and has been matching students and families since the 1990s. Our local PAX coordinator is Jackie Walsh, mother of Casey (2016) and Molly (2013) Walsh-Warder. Their family has hosted many students, which has been a life changing experience for all of them!

For more information, contact Jackie directly by phone at 413-625-9413 or email
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