September 2017 Newsletter
Dear Bancroft Friends,
The 2017-18 school year is brand new, and it's exciting to think of the promise it holds. We have already seen so much active learning as our faculty and students took part in group activities and retreats. I've been gratified to see a few recurring themes already infusing our days — kindness, positivity, and working together to achieve our goals.
These themes were especially evident amid the Bancroft traditions at our all-school opening assembly on Tuesday. Our seniors stood before their younger peers as leaders of the school. Our Kindergartners, who will be seniors in 2030, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Senior class president Akash K. encouraged his fellow students to work together to stay positive in a world that can sometimes feel very negative. A performance of the Bancroft Alma Mater, sung a cappella by sophomores Chloe S. and Ella L., and senior Megha S., reminded us to learn and teach… foster friendships… wave high the colors… and celebrate each other… until it's time to leave these halls and wider service calls.
Positivity and facing challenges together is what we're about, and we will keep these concepts in mind as the year progresses. As most of you know, Bancroft is in a self-study year, and we have already been looking at examples of our success, and areas we can improve upon. Our five professional development (PD) days this year will give us opportunities to delve further into the self-study. The first PD day (no classes for students) is coming up on September 29; the others are Oct. 27, Jan. 2, Feb. 5, and Apr. 13.
You may have seen that the T&G is running its annual "Best of Central MA" poll, and Bancroft is in the running for Best Private School. Although these rankings are somewhat artificial, a public rally of support from the community sends an important message to the outside world. It's always nice to be recognized for what we know to be true about ourselves. I hope you'll take the opportunity to cast a vote HERE.
I look forward to seeing you this evening at the PFA Social in the Field House, and tomorrow at Play Day. Let's come together to celebrate each other and this extraordinary community.
Best,
Trey Cassidy
Head of School
BANCROFT SCHOOL OPENING ASSEMBLY
Bancroft traditions were on display at the all-school Opening Assembly on September 5th — Spike the Bulldog made an appearance, our seniors stood up at the front of the gym, students sang the Alma Mater, the Kindergarten led the Pledge of Allegiance, student council president Akash K. addressed the audience, and of course, we "made rain," a great reminder that, together, we can create something beautiful that is greater than what we can achieve individually. Here's to a great school year! WATCH OPENING ASSEMBLY SLIDE SHOW HERE.
US FIRST WEEK ACTIVITIES 2017-2018
CLICK HERE to enjoy a slideshow of our Upper Schoolers' amazing first-week activities — Freshmen harvested vegetables for the food bank and held an ice cream challenge, sophomores learned CPR and did a scavenger hunt around Worcester, then both classes went to Hopkinton to do the ropes courses at the Y's Outdoor Education Center. Meanwhile, the juniors headed off for team-building in the (semi-)wilderness on their overnight trip to Camp Caribou, and the seniors went whitewater rafting — the ultimate collaborative problem-solving challenge! An exhausting and exhilarating start to 2017-18.
8TH GRADERS AND POW! WOW! WORCESTER
Last week our 8th grade students got involved with POW! WOW! Worcester, a weeklong festival celebrating culture, music, and art that includes a series of huge, colorful murals all over the city. At Elm Park Community School, they met with muralists from around the country and got lessons in the artists' techniques. Muralist Hank VonHellion said, "The kids were great, and I'm beyond thrilled that they seemed to really take the experience to heart. I feel like we all helped inspire a sizable number of future artists and creative thinkers." READ FULL NEWS STORY >>
SEND US YOUR ECLIPSE PHOTOS OR ART
Where did you experience the eclipse? Were you nearby? Somewhere in the Path of Totality? Please join us in reflecting on the event through the lens of the entire Bancroft community by submitting any photos or other work you have produced about the eclipse. Submissions will become part of a display on campus! Please submit your work in person or by email to Art Department Chair William Chambers— wchambers@bancroftschool.org — no later than September 15.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Sept. 9, PLAY DAY (Tomorrow!)
Games start at 9:00 AM. Come support the Bulldogs in field hockey, soccer, and volleyball. Schedule
Sept. 23, HOMECOMING & FALL FESTIVAL
Sports, food, and family fun throughout the day.
Sept. 28, ALL-SCHOOL PHOTO DAY
All students will be photographed; ordering prints is optional.
Sept. 30, VOTING DEADLINE – T&G "BEST OF"
Vote for Bancroft, the best private school in Central MA. Vote Here
Oct. 12, BANCROFT SPEAKER SERIES
Reception begins at 6:30 PM. Peggy Stern, Founder of Dyslexiaville. Learn More
Oct. 22, ADMISSION OPEN HOUSE
Program starts at 1:30 PM – Please help us spread the word!
PARENT POTLUCKS
Gather with fellow parents at 6:30 PM in the Dining Hall!
Oct. 2, PreK, K, 1
Oct. 24, Gr. 11, 12
Nov. 1, Gr. 8, 9, 10
Nov. 7, Gr. 2, 3, 4
Nov. 13, Gr. 5, 6, 7
Shorelines is produced by Bancroft's Marketing and Communications team. If you have questions or story ideas please contact shorelines@bancroftschool.org.
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Bancroft School
110 Shore Drive • Worcester, MA 01605 • (508) 853-2640