| | Headmaster's Letter Dear Bancroft Friends:
 I have always believed that one important measure of healthiness is one’s ability to express gratitude. And please allow me to do just that in this, my penultimate monthly missive to the Bancroft community. Since the announcement of my impending departure for Trevor Day School, so many people have expressed their thanks to me for working with them to build Bancroft School into the community that it is. Bancroft has always been about our work together to build a diverse community of good people, committed to an experience of excellence for each child in our care, a place where each is known, cared for, and loved; a place of the celebration of human potential. This vision was on display last Saturday evening, and I must admit to being overwhelmed at the outpouring of kindness, support, and gratitude. Allow me to thank the organizers of this event, headed by Angela Cheng-Cimini, with the assistance of so many people: Katy Sullivan, Kerri Melley, Kye Flotte, Dale Rains, Betsy Engvall, Peter McKone, Julie O’Malley, Lynn St. Germain, Kevan Gibson, Karla Cinquanta, Bob Dec, Catherine Hanssen, Rhonda Brodeur, Pam Sheldon, and Charlie Aleksiewicz. What a remarkable labor of love. And to the speakers: Gary Mathieu, Dr. Jim Pellegrini, Mayor Joe Petty, Anne and Hannah Reisinger ‘12; the extraordinary pianist Mackenzie Melemed ’13; and gifted artist Winslow Myers, former Chair of Bancroft's Art Department — how can I ever adequately thank you? What a remarkable night. A tremendous send-off by alumni, parents, Board members, family, and friends–and a celebration of the work we have done together in the last decade and a half. I’m so grateful, very humbled, and honored to be a part of this community. This month’s Shorelines continues the themes of celebration and gratitude. What an accomplished student body—so much for which to give thanks.
Yours, 
Scott R. Reisinger
Headmaster | |
| | In This Issue: Robotics Teams Compete at
World Championship
5th Grade Play, Asgard & the
Magic Cow
6th Grade Model UN Simulation
Cum Laude Convocation
Headmaster Celebration
7th Graders Going to Regional Science Fair LS Art Show Opening
Kindergarten & Gr. 4 Buddies
Play Ancient Egyptian Game US Lunch with a Scientist
6th Grade Great Cell Project
US Crepe Sale
MS E-Waste Disposal Day
Celebrating Reunion 2014 Sophomore Class Steps Out
to Fight Scleroderma Earth Day Observance
Wingmasters, PFA Cultural Series
Earth Day Observance on April 22nd
In observation of Earth Day on April 22nd, the Freshmen took a trip to the Heifer Project. Ms. Silverman and the students had a great time on the farm learning about how the Heifer organization works to eradicate poverty and hunger through sustainable, values-based holistic community development. VIEW SLIDESHOW ♦
Wingmasters, PFA Cultural Series
LS & MS students recently attended the Wingmasters presentation sponsored by the PFA Cultural Series. The program included live birds of prey to give students an appreciation for these magnificant hunters of the air. The program was presented by Jim Parks, a licensed raptor rehabilitator based in MA. ♦
WE DID IT! Almost $20,000 Raised in 24 Hours... THANK YOU!
Thanks to the goodness and generosity of the Bancroft community, we were the TOP fundraiser in Greater Worcester GIVES, the first-ever 24-hour online giving event for Worcester area non-profits held on Tuesday, May 6th. We took second place for number of gifts, with 134 received. As a result, we will receive an additional $2,500 for first place, and $1,000 for second place, bringing the total raised in just 24 hours to $19,977!!!
Don't worry if you missed the GW Gives event— the 2014 Bancroft Fund remains open until June 30. This generous outpouring will be a huge help in getting us closer to our $400,000 goal. ♦ Click Here to Make a Gift.
Bancroft Gallery
of Silly Faces 
       
| | Robotics Teams Compete at World Championship in Anaheim
 Two of Bancroft’s US Robotics Teams competed in the 2014 VEX Robotics World Championship in Anaheim, CA, in April. Team 2442-B (Captain Jessica C., Thomas C., Aurea D., Jack K., and Anqi S.), and Team 2442-D (Captain Matt C. Juliann D., Cory L., Ross H., and Teddy V.) were among the 800 teams (out of 10,000 teams worldwide) invited to this world-class competition. Their coach and mentor, Elisa Heinricher — who was recently named the 2014 CREATE U.S. Open VEX Robotics Championship Teacher of the Year — was with them every step of the way. In one of her updates from Anaheim, Mrs. Heinricher reported that the students were “learning a lot more than just robotics… Anqi and Aurea are volunteering as interpreters for Chinese and Spanish speakers, and Jess is one of 32 student ambassadors chosen to host visiting VIPs from other countries and international industries.” In the end, she said, “we won some, we lost some but most importantly we made friends from all corners of the globe.” Bancroft salutes all of the Robodogs for their teamwork, collaboration, and hard work; for the many victories they have earned this year; and for their exemplary representation of our School on the regional, state, and world stage. ♦
5th Grade Play Brings Myth and Magic to Stage
 The 5th grade students staged three wonderful performances of Asgard & the Magic Cow to the Bancroft community on May 1-2. Written by drama teacher Margaret McCandless and Meg Chittenden, with songs by Paul Kelly, the play combined two cheerful Norse myths and folktales from Iceland and Sweden. The actors gave imaginative performances portraying dwarfs, giants, gods, goddesses, and cows. The story centers around two children who find their cow stolen by a giantess, and embark on a magical adventure to get home safely. Click button on photo above to view slide show. ♦
6th Graders Debate Global Issues in Model UN Simulation
 On April 9th, the 6th grade students participated in a Model UN simulation facilitated by a representative from the United Nations Association of Boston. The Bancroft students debated the topic of child labor, playing the roles of delegates representing 11 actual countries with varying viewpoints working to solve this real-world issue. Each student analyzed and researched country data in order to collaborate with peers on final resolutions to reduce and eliminate child labor on the global stage.
Online news source GoLocalWorcester.com featured a wonderful article ("Bancroft 6th Graders Learn to Be Global Citizens with Model UN") that talked about Bancroft's participation in the innovative program. ♦
2014 Cum Laude Convocation
 On April 24th, eleven US students were inducted into the prestigious Cum Laude Society: five from the Class of 2014, and six from the Class of 2015. (View list of names.) Joining them on stage at the convocation were five members of the Class of 2014 who were inducted last year as juniors. Assistant Headmaster Gary Mathieu and US Head Roy Gillette presented certificates to the inductees, and US Student Activities Director Pam Sheldon delivered a heartfelt and inspiring address. Inductee Luke O. performed a beautiful acoustic guitar piece. Following the ceremony, in accordance with annual tradition, all the Cum Laude members (including members of the faculty who were themselves inducted to the Society in high school) posed under the "Tree of Knowledge" for a group photo. The event ended with a reception held in the Rice Room. Click button on photo above to view slide show. ♦
Headmaster Celebration
 Nearly 400 members of the Bancroft community came to campus on the evening of Saturday, May 3rd to honor Headmaster Scott R. Reisinger at a special event held in the Fletcher Athletic Center. This memorable evening included an appearance by Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty to present Scott with a Key to the City (pictured above), the unveiling of a portrait of Scott by artist and former faculty member Winslow Myers, and a piano performance of Elton John songs by Mackenzie Melemed '13 including Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, the evening's theme. Every Bancroft student, faculty, and staff member created a yellow brick for Scott, which collectively made up a "yellow brick road" of good wishes to guide him on his journey. Click button on photo above to view slide show. ♦
7th Graders Excel in Bancroft and Regional Science Fairs
 In April, the Middle School held its annual 7th Grade Science Fair, organized by MS science teacher Allison Roach. All 43 seventh graders presented projects to the judges. MS Head Trevor O’Driscoll commented that the students’ ability to present and engage with an audience was more impressive than anything he’s seen in other middle schools. “I can't tell you how many parents were blown away by what they saw. I certainly was,” he said.
After their outstanding presentations at the Bancroft Science Fair, ten students went on to represent Bancroft at the Worcester Regional Science Fair at WPI on May 5th: Annaleigh B., Julia D., Paige D., Kathleen F., Hallie K., Abigail M., Carlo M., Ruhi P., Emma S., and Eli Z. Eight of these students earned awards (ranging from 3rd place to 1st place) for their projects, and will present at the State MS Science Fair at Worcester Technical High School on June 14th. ♦
back to top LS Art Show Opening
 LS art teacher Mary Edwards put together an amazing display of LS student artwork in the McDonough Center 2nd floor lobby. This annual exhibit includes artwork from every LS student. Parents, family, and friends came to the Opening Event on April 24th to support these young artists. Click button on photo above to view slide show. ♦
Kindergarten & 4th Grade Buddies Play Ancient Egyptian Games
As part of the Kindergarten's worldwide tour, the children traveled throughout the continent of Africa for one week in April. Their Fourth Grade Buddies joined them to teach them the game of Mancala. Since Mancala games have been uncovered in Egyptian tombs, we know that this was a game played in Ancient Egypt. Click button on photo above to view slide show. ♦
back to top Lunch with a 'Soleful' Scientist
 US students had a preview of innovative footwear products last month at a "Lunch with a Scientist" session featuring guest speaker Steve Ellis, a tester team manager for Vibram USA. Steve showed the students a variety of precision-designed products such as rubber soles and those special sneakers with toe compartments, known as FiveFingers barefoot shoes.
His background in physics and an M.B.A. from WPI prepared him well for a career in technological innovation and product development. He also works for major companies that make workboots, and has a lot of variety in his career including testing, designing, and creating a wide assortment of soles. Students were fascinated to learn that he also designs the testing facilities that Vibram has around the world, and that he and his team climb mountains, ford streams, and walk on skyscrapers as part of the testing process. Steve left the students with free samples, along with an important message that “Science brings variety.” ♦
6th Grade Great Cell Project
 MS 6th Grade students worked diligently on their 3D models of Plant and Animal Cells. Here is a photo of them posing with their fascinating and creative projects that were on display in the McDonough Center. ♦
back to top US Crêpe Sale Helps Haiti School
 Madame Puccio and her students fromthe US Table de Français club spent time in the MPR kitchen last month preparing for a crêpe sale held on April 29. The sale was a big success and students, faculty and staff lined up for some tasty treats. The proceeds will go toward the  Notre Dame de Lourdes School in Haiti to help build a new kitchen (the primitive existing kitchen is pictured here). The students raised a total of $173 from the sale, but they plan to send $400 by adding funds from other fundraisers held throughout the year. ♦
MS Holds Successful e-Waste Disposal Drive
 The MS Green Super Heroes club held an e-Waste Disposal Drive on April 24th, giving the Bancroft community an environmentally friendly way to dispose of items such as TVs, batteries, air conditioners, and other potentially dangerous waste. Club members posted fliers and spread the word, and the fruits of their labors are visible in the truck! ♦
back to top Celebrating Reunion 2014
 More than 200 alumni, faculty, and friends celebrated Reunion 2014 on April 11 & 12. Highlights of the evening included Nicky Puccio being honored with the Milton P. Higgins (1918) Award for Distinguished Service to Bancroft; celebrating the 50th Reunion with the Class of 1964; unveiling a banner commemorating Bancroft basketball’s 1,000-point scorers past and present; and recognizing Holden Police Chief George Sherrill ’74, community organizer James Coghlin, Sr., and alumna Hallie Goldberg Johnston ’94 with Alumni Awards.
The annual tradition of Reunion highlights the extended community that makes Bancroft so special. Bancroft students develop enduring bonds with each other and their teachers, and stay in touch long after graduation. Reunion brings to mind stories about their years at school—the ladies in the Class of 1964 discussing sophomore English with former teacher Steve White, the large group from the Class of 1989 sharing memories from 25 years ago, or the Class of 2004 touring the campus to see the changes we’ve made in the 10 years since they graduated. Reunion is a wonderful way to remember and recapture the friendships that began at Bancroft and continue to enrich our community. Click button on photo above to view slide show. ♦
Sophomore Class Steps Out to Fight Scleroderma
 On Sunday May 4th, the Sophomore Class and many other people from the Bancroft and Worcester communities gathered at Bancroft to take part in the Scleroderma Walk to raise money for "Team Magnuson." The team is named after former Bancroft receptionist Debbie Magnuson, who has been battling scleroderma for several years. They dedicated this year's walk to the memory of our friend Terry Bartkus. Click button on photo above to view slide show. ♦
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Upcoming Important Dates
Dates and times may be subject to change. Please verify.
MS Spring Concert – Tuesday, May 20, 7:00 pm. LS Ensemble Concert – Friday, May 23, 8:15 am. Memorial Day - School Closed – Monday, May 26 MS Sports Award Assembly – Tuesday, May 27, 2:30pm. US Award Assembly – Wednesday, May 28, 9:30am All-School Final Assembly – Monday, June 2, 8:15 am. LS Closing – Tuesday, June 10, 9:00 am. MS Awards Assembly – Tuesday, June 10, 1:00 pm. MS Closing – Wednesday, June 11, 9:00 am. US Sports Night – Wednesday, June 11, 6:00 pm. Commencement – Friday, June 13, 5:00 pm.
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