Our varsity Ultimate topped BART in an exciting game on Tuesday. Although BART took the lead early in the first half, the Aardvarks persisted through heavy, cold rain to win 15-7. Handlers Izzy B and Tucker Z-A exhibited exciting give-and-go in the second half, and the cup in our zone defense applied non-stop pressure to BART's handlers. Aardvarks seemed to control both endzones, with notable defensive plays by Will D, Lila G, and Raymond M. Calla J was our top scorer with 3 points. On Thursday, the varsity team traveled to Williamstown, where they defeated the Buxton School Lions, 10-7. Tucker Z-A had a strong game, scoring three times, assisting on two goals, and making five stops on defense. Will D, Liam N, Chessie R-C, and Nat B-O also had multiple goals and/or assists. Aislyn J, Solly C, and Kayla H were outstanding on defense. 

On Monday, the JV team lost to the very competitive Four Rivers middle school team at home, 13-2. There was a lot of progress and work done, this being the first time playing on a full field and with a full team this season. Both Gwen H and Ruby R played well and did an outstanding job of keeping everyone else’s spirits high. Everyone played hard throughout the game and made great strides for playing on a full field. On Thursday, The JV team lost a very close game to Eaglebrook at home, 10-7. Tess M-R did a terrific job catching almost anything that came near her, and Anna P-C has some great throws. Sam R was amazing on defense, running all over to block anything that was in the air. Overall, it was fantastic play for only the second time with full numbers.

Middle School Ultimate had an exciting first game of the season on Monday against the Four Rivers Middle School girls team. Both teams gave great effort, and Charlemont persevered on the wet fields to come away with a 15-4 win!

Families are needed to host international students attending The Academy next year. This is a life-changing experience for everyone! Our students from Spain, Mexico, Belgium, Thailand, Italy, China, Korea and elsewhere have enriched the school experience for students and staff. The students learn all about our way of living, and the essential ingredient is a loving host family. They come in all shapes and sizes -- with young children, older children, two separate homes, one home, working parents, lots of pets, no pets, vegetarian or not, near school or a bus ride away. The key is to open your hearts and welcome in a student.  Please consider this wonderful opportunity!

To speak to a host family about their experience, or the coordinator for the PAX student exchange, please email Jackie Walsh or call 413-625-9413.

The Common School will host a forum for the Pioneer Valley community on Tuesday, May 16 from 5:30-7:00. Please join us as we welcome Author/Educator, Feminist and woman of Color, Zetta Elliott. Zetta is an advocate for greater diversity and equality in publishing. She has self-published numerous illustrated books for younger readers under her own imprint, Rosetta Press. Please check out Zetta’s explanation of why she writes here.

The upcoming mural festival happening in Springfield this June will feature Andrae and Priya Green as some of the invited artists, along with several other professional muralists. They're really excited! Mr. Green says "It's going to be epic! The walls? The designs? It's all a surprise for now..." The festival will culminate in a giant block party on June 8 with guided walking tours of the artists in action and the finished murals, as well as other interactive events. There will be refreshments and live music within walking distance of the murals. Andrae and Priya are so proud of their community, and look forward to welcoming many out of town and local friends to the celebration.

Click to see a little on-the-street interview Priya did with WWLP news. (There's also a little sound bite of Mr. Green from the press conference with Mayor Sarno on NEPR news.)

Though the festival is officially on the books for the city for June 2-8, in order to ensure it's a success, FreshPaint Springfield needs donations. Even $5 will help to create an avalanche of interest and support and means that you helped make this happen! Watch this video for more info and click here to donate. If you do, Mr. Green would love to know! To clarify, donations go directly to funding for the entire festival and the goal is to get the funds matched 1:1 by MassDevelopment $50,000 is raised. The group is nearly halfway there!!

If you would like to get involved with the festival, contact Mr. Green and he'll put you in touch with the volunteer coordinator.