TGS 8th Grade 2011-12

2012-02-09T09:29:00.001-05:00

Brattleboro Union High School is presenting the musical Chicago February 16, 17 and 18. Many of the eighth graders have expressed interest in going, and I plan to attend on Thursday, February 16. You can get information from The Reformer or by contacting BUHS. I will not be buying group tickets, but I know they often sell out, so plan ahead. Victoria Jaenson is dancing and it is an incredible production. I hope to see many of you there. Laurie

February 3, 2012 - Sherry Bartlett instructs 7th and 8th graders about sanitation facilities around the world

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

2012-01-23T13:49:00.002-05:00

Today, during lunch, The Putney Summer Summer Program came to TGS to discuss the opportunities available just up the hill! Fine arts and Performing arts, literary arts and musical selections were presented. Students were given brochures, and Rudi and Ona discussed their experiences as participants last summer. Julian Stolper, Erin Sternfels and Hannah Green are other alums who have attended. Ask your eighth grader about his or her interest in the program and e-mail me for more information. There is financial aid available and the offerings are exciting and extensive. I am happy to write and send the recommendation required.

Thank you, Laurie

Auditions

2012-01-20T15:23:00.004-05:00

Below is the form Vicki has written for all of the upper school students. I will be going over it with them next week during planners, but I think they should take her relaxed and calm approach to heart. This is supposed to be FUN!   Any questions can come to Alli, Vicki or me. Here we go - Laurie

    Auditions    7th & 8th Grade
Happy Together - February 13th & 15th, 2012

SIDES:
Boys:                            Girls
Orlando P 7-8                    Celia P.12 (bottom)
Oliver P11                        Rosalind P48 (bottom)
LeBeau P21                        Phoebe P51
Touchstone P42

Songs -
"So Far Away" - Top 2 verses
"I've Just Seen A Face" - whole song
"Red Rubber Ball" - First 2 Verses & Chorus
"Get Together" First 2 Verses & Chorus
"Dream A Little Dream of Me" First two verses thru "Just saying this...."

Do not freak out! Here are some THINGS TO BEAR IN MIND:

Whether you are reading or singing, a good audition is one where you can be heard and seen clearly and your position as the character in that moment is fully realized in your body and your voice. That means your intentions are clear and you are fully occupying the mind and body of the character you are reading.

To whom am I speaking? Am I speaking in monologue or in dialogue?

What am I saying and why?

What do I think about the person I am speaking to? What is my body language?

What is my motivation? What Do I want? Who am I convincing of what?

Am I speaking extempore or is my speech thought out? Have I been thinking about this a long time or did I just come up with it on the spot?

What is my tone? Am I joking, sarcastic, mad….? Does my tone change in the speech?

What are my tactics? Do my tactics change during the speech?

Be sure you know what every word in the speech means.

Cultivate movement with intention. Do not move unless it is part of your character.

Science Fair

2012-01-20T15:22:00.001-05:00

The eighth graders will be hosting their science fair, along with 6th and 7th graders, on Friday, February 10. Specific times to follow, but they will be showing their work during the day. I am hopeful that parents as many parents as possible will make it to TGS to see their exhibits. Put it on your calendars now! Laurie

Skiing at PSD

2012-01-12T18:33:00.002-05:00

Dear Parents,

Please remind your children that we will be skiing at PSD tomorrow, Friday, January 13. They should be sure have their XC skis, boots, poles, and appropriate outerwear, including hats and gloves.

What fun!

Thanks,
Mary

Putney Food Shelf

2012-01-12T15:15:00.002-05:00

January is THE EIGHTH GRADE'S month to help stock the food shelf in Putney! Please send in non-perishable food items, soaps, toiletries and any other household items you think people could use. Thank you in advance. I know that the food shelf is being used by a large number of local families. I appreciate everything that comes in! Laurie

All Seventh and Eighth Graders!

2011-12-09T08:20:00.002-05:00

Putney School is performing As You Like It Wednesday 12/14 and Friday 12/16, at 8 pm.

Our 2012 TGS musical, Happy Together, is based on the plot and characters of As You Like It, so I am planning to go and invite any of you who want to join me to come. I am going Wednesday night, but feel free to go Friday, if that is better for you.

It is Free of charge, but you will have to e-mail Jcyr@putneyschool.org to reserve a seat (or as many as you want). You can also call 387-5566 and ask to be transferred to Jane's phone in the bookstore.

Karla, the directer, says this is a young cast, so we will be watching the upper school students' peers perform Shakespeare. It will be a great introduction to the story of As You Like It and I am excited about seeing it.

Let me know if you are thinking of coming.

All the best, Laurie

2011-12-07T14:29:00.001-05:00

What an amazing group of actors! Watching The Mummer's Play last night made me proud, as they all, each and every one of them, rose to the challenge and "hammed it up" (which was what I begged them to do).

I smiled and laughed throughout, and it was fun to see them enjoying themselves. From fight scenes to embraces, from sword dances to gas masks, they whooped it up, which is what Mummers in the 1300s were doing. Bringing "good times and cheer, before we go away" was the Mummers purpose, during the darkest time of the year. Bravo!

So, we are now onto our next annual event, and that is shopping for seven families who have no means with which to celebrate the holidays. This translates into 13 children, ages 14 months to 13 years old.

I sent a letter explaining all of this in November, but I am sending out this e-mail as a reminder and to ask for assistance.

1) We are going to Keene next week, so please remind your eighth grader to bring in his or her money. The seventh graders are remembering, but I haven't received any eighth grade contributions, yet. I have also not reminded them enough, so we need to form a united front.

2) One of the families needs:
           2 sets of twin Sheets
           Towels
           Twin size blankets
            2 pillows

If we use the money we have for the children's clothing and gifts for these utilitarian items, these children can open bedding, but won't have anything else. I was hoping maybe a few of us could make a separate contribution towards these items and assume they are really gifts for the parents. If maybe 10-12 of us can each chip in $10, I think we can cover these household items. It will work out (it always has!) but I have never been asked for this many necessary items. The mother of the 4 and 9 year olds who asked for these items, said they are important. I will buy sheets and pillows at TJ MAX this weekend.

Thanks in advance - Laurie

2011-11-07T09:16:00.002-05:00

Comedy Tonight - Well, actually, this Friday and Saturday night at Vermont Academy, 11/11 and 11/12. I am inviting 7th and 8th graders to travel to Vermont Academy this weekend to see Moliere's The Imaginary Invalid, a slapstick comedy with many TGS cast members. The play begins at 7:30 p.m., and I am offering to drive up to 7 students to VA, leaving TGS at 6:45. I will be going both nights, so, if you leave a message on my voice-mail to reserve a spot in "The Beast," please let me know which night you are coming. Call me at 387-4444. Teese offered to drive kids from Walpole, but I am not sure which night he is going. Parents are welcome! Hope to see you there.
Laurie

Community service message from Laurie

2011-11-04T14:53:00.000-04:00

Dear Parents of Eighth Graders,

As we did last year, the seventh and eighth grades are going to be Secret Santa to a number of children in Putney.   Working with Putney Family Services and the counselor at The Putney Central School, we acquire lists of “wishes” from seven or eight families who have no means with which to celebrate Christmas or the holiday season. This is my favorite community service of the year, as giving and thinking about others brings out the best in all of us. The activity is full of laughter, fun, and generosity, but it is also anonymous, so our satisfaction has to be internalized. The children who receive our gifts believe that Santa or their parents have fulfilled their wishes! That is the magic of the time.

So, I will send home copies of the wish lists and the ages and genders of our “kids” in a few weeks, in hopes that you might be able to send some of the items from home.   Any new craft kits, age appropriate books, games or toys are always welcome. The kids and parents are asked to write down whatever they want, so we are not responsible for everything...but I do try to be specific on two or three items per child. We try to strike a balance between clothing, books, games, toys and winter-wear.

From now until mid-December, all upper school students need to work to raise money for a large shopping excursion. Last year, I asked that students do chores or babysit (rake leaves, clean closets, shovel snow) to raise between 20-30 dollars, each. Then, we have the necessary funds to shop. Chris Harlow drives the bus, and, the week of December 12, we will descend on Keene with cash and lists in hand. We will buy gifts and wrapping paper and return to TGS to wrap and label presents. In the past, we have wrapped gifts in the common room, while listening to music, and it has made my month and, I should add, the holiday season for several of the students. I deliver the presents to The Central School and we can all take joy in the fact that several families are having a celebration directly connected to our efforts. TGS is making a difference in our community.

Thank you, in advance, and I look forward to witnessing the spirit this activity creates.

Yours,
Laurie

2011-11-03T08:44:00.002-04:00

On Friday, November 11, the eighth graders will participate in a writers' workshop with actor/playwright Sean Lewis. Sean Lewis is in the area, working with students at a variety of public and private schools. He is based, for the week, at The Sandglass Theater, and there is additional information about him on their website. I am looking forward to participating in the workshop with my class! Laurie

Sean Lewis has taught everywhere from schools for the exceptionally gifted in Eastern Iowa to prisons in North Philadelphia to villages in East Africa. His workshops use popular forms (hip hop, movies, basic storytelling) to empower writers to find their own voice. Whether breaking down a popular song by Wiz Kalifa to see the story structure inherent in the rap lyrics or creating abridged versions of popular movies to get right to the drama the workshops make writing less mystical and more fun.

Final Draft Boston Trip 2011 11/1/11

2011-11-01T13:50:00.005-04:00

Laurie’s cell 802-451-6366

(I will check it 2-3 times a day, but it will be off at allother times.)

Departure: Tuesday,November 15

We will pack up at 8:30 sharp and leave by 8:40 a.m.

Museum / SiteReservations: 11:00 ConcordMuseum

12:30 Drive to The Old North Bridge - Bring a Bag Lunch

2:30 Depart for Alewife T station

Wewill park at Alewife and take the T in to the hostel

Tuesdaynight

4:30p.m. Arrive at hostel Hostelling International - Boston

12Hemenway Street

BostonMA 02115

ph.617-536-1027

5:00 p.m. Leavefor dinner at Woody’s Wood Oven Pizza (Dinnerpaid for by class activity fund)

6:30p.m. Theater to see SHEER MADNESS (asilly whodunit mystery)

11:00p.m. Back to the Hostel to Sleep!Wednesday, November 16

8:15Breakfast at Hostelling International (included)

9Head to North Station to get on Commuter Rail to Salem Mass.

Museum/ Site Reservations:

Peabody-Essex Museum in Salem 11:00.

12:30 Lunch paidfor by individuals- eat in groups of three or more.

1:30 WitchMuseum in Salem (1 hour) a bit hokey, but interesting after reading Miller’s TheCrucible.

3:00 Return to Boston and Hostel on MBTA commuter Rail

5p.m. Gather in hostel common room to discuss dinner options, allclose by and within walking distance.Everyone has to be with at least TWO other people, and each person paysfor him or her self. Remember, youmust tip, so include that in your budget while ordering (I am sensitive, as Iwas a waitress through college!)

6:00Meet at Hostel and leave for Theater

7:15 Theater Blue Man Group

11:00 Return to Hostel LIGHTS OUT

Thursday November 17

8:00 Breakfastat Hostelling International (included)

9:00 Headtowards the T and The Freedom Trail

10:00 OldSouth Meeting House Boston

11:15 a.m. OldState House Boston

We will take the “T” from the hostel to the Park Streetstation. From there, we will walkalong The Freedom Trail, making a few brief stops on our way to Old State Houseand Old South. After we are doneat The Old State House, we will head to Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market for lunchand shopping.

As this is a safe, contained area, I have always allowedstudents to spend their time here independently BUT NOT ALONE. No one leaves the pedestrianarea, so no roads are crossed. We gather at a designated spot after an hour ortwo and we head back to the hostel (to gather our small bags) and take the T to our cars at Alewife. Everyone will need money for lunch - about $12 - $15.

Departure from Boston between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m.

Arrive at TGS around 6 :30 p.m. Thursday night

STUDENTS and ADULTS will need to have cash with them to cover the following:

$20 - $30 for Wednesday and Thursday lunches.

$15 for Dinner Wednesday night

I recommend bringing a few more dollars for drinks andsnacks along the way. There is acorner store near the hostel where we stop for drinks and snacks eachday/night. I suggest bringing $10for drinks, especially after long days of walking. Extra money for shopping, if you want to purchase anything –not necessary, but there are fun candy shops and booths at Fanueil Hall. It is my request that each eighth grader carry a copy ofthis itinerary. I will check.

Do NOT bring sleeping bags, pillows or towels. These areprovided. I have arranged forprivate TGS rooms. We will have either 4-6 TGS people per room, one chaperoneper room. I assign rooms.

Regarding packing...Please pack LIGHTLY, as we are going incrowded vehicles. A small bag witha change of undergarments, nightclothes, and toiletries should suffice. Thisbag should be separate from the bag you carry with you while walking, thereforesmall. Wear comfortable walking shoes (no high heels) and bring a hat, mittensand a warm coat. Boston can bewindy and cold, and we will be walking a lot. Don’t bring a complete change of wardrobe, as no one willnotice (or care) if you wear the same pants and polar fleece or sweater severaldays. We will repack here, if toomuch appears and can’t fit in the cars. We have several transfers to make on the “T”, before we get to thehostel, so light luggage is necessary.

Comfortable footwear- a must! We walk miles and miles and miles: Sneakers/running shoesare required.

Clean, neat clothes -NO VISIBLE BOXERS, BRIEFS or BRAS. Nothing fancy, but look nice. Long pants are best - no t-shirts withbig advertisements, please, and no tears or rips, even if you bought your jeansthat way! Sweaters, polar fleeceand light jacket for use in layers: One year it snowed: one year I ended up ina T-shirt.

Sunglasses

Small pocketbook or wallet - comfortable to carry: Backspacks are not allowed in Museums.

Yes to iPods in cars and while going to sleep at thehostel! BUT NOT ON TOURS, whilewalking around, OR AT MEALS - DVDplayers are great for long car rides, but please bring earphones andconnectors. No cell phone useplease. If you must carry one, itMUST be off at all times and out of sight, or I pocket it for an extendedlength of time (read December).

Parents take note: We are on this trip to interact with ourclassmates and those traveling with us. Cell phones are only to be used in emergencies. We are busy and on the go until late atnight. “No news is goodnews.” You will not hear from usunless there is a problem. Pleaserespect this policy. I do not wantstudents leaving a performance because a parent has asked him or her to call at9 pm to say they were doing O.K. (That happened!)

Itis an inspiring trip, on which I always learn a lot, and we have fun!

That’s all fornow - Laurie

SSAT Prep

2011-09-16T14:25:00.002-04:00

SSAT PREP for those who want an introductory session.

Celia Bohannon will present a two-hour session at TGS on October 3 for $25 per student. This includes materials and a snack half way through the session!
Please let Laurie know if you are coming. Celia also offers one-on-one sessions at her home (23 Pleasant Street, Saxtons River) for $50 per one-hour session, at a time to be arranged individually (802-869-2961 or bohannon@sover.net).

Upper School updates

2011-09-13T09:36:00.000-04:00

Thank you to all who turned out for Putney School Information Night. It was great to have you here, and I am always inspired when students and adults speak from their hearts about a school. This is a reminder that NMH Information Night is this Thursday, September 15 at 7 p.m. I know we have a lot scheduled for the month, but it is exciting to be in the process of discovery. Secondary school essays are underway, and I am pleased with the thought and effort I am seeing in the eighth graders' work. Laurie