Message from Headmaster

Scott R. Reisinger

     After a particularly busy and hectic day, I took advantage today of the 75-degree temperatures and sunshine to walk around our campus that is becoming more beautiful each day. The weeping cherry tree outside my window is blossoming, and groups of kindergartners came by to sit on the wall to complete their multi-media projects with that fragrant tree as their focus. Middle and Upper School students occupied the green in the center of campus…some playing, others basking in the sun and simply reading. Spring has arrived at Bancroft.
     In the last decade our School has seen so many changes, but none more important than the growth I have witnessed in the Class of 2010 students. They have, by nature and hard work, matured into the talented seniors we will send off into the larger world this June. I pride myself on being one of the least nostalgic people I know—but surely thoughts of past years gripped me on my walk today, along with a sense of pride at how our School has evolved into the community it is today. We are always well served by focusing on what really matters—the children, their needs, their promise as makers of a better future.
     Those of us who teach are indeed fortunate to experience one aspect of time—its cyclical rhythm in the calendar of the school year, a reflection of the order of Nature. As we head into the upcoming weeks, I invite you to campus to see what I see every day: the sounds of laughter, the excitement of competitive athletics, and the general beauty of spring.

Math Students Earn Recognition

Headmaster Reisinger and math teacher Misty Dodge congratulate eighth grader Han Na K. and junior Nikolai D. for their outstanding achievement in the American Mathematics  Competition. Mrs. Dodge explains that 20 students chose to enter the competition, but only six were able to take the national test as it occured on a snow day. "All six students deserve recognition for coming in during bad weather to compete in this national competition," she says. Receiving national recognition were Nikolai who scored in the top 5% of the country in the AMC 12 and Han Na who scored 90 or above in the AMC 10. Nicholai now qualifies to take the AIME test to compete for a spot in the American Math Olympiad.

All School PFA Meeting

Thursday, April 8th
8:oo am and 6:00 pm

All parents are invited to join the PFA Leadership team in the Rice Room as they provide an overview of the 2009-2010 school year, update the PFA By-Laws, and introduce the 2010-2011 Leadership Team.

5th Annual Playathon    

Friday, April 9th 3:00 - 6:30 pm

Time Extended Due To Huge Performer Response!

You will not want to miss this celebration of the arts as an eclectic group of students, parents, faculty, and alumni display their talents. The afternoon includes musicians and dancers with a special performance by Tall Heights, featuring alumni Paul Wright ’03 & Tim Harrington ’06. Stay for a little taste, or enjoy the whole show. Reception immediately following.

Community Service in Action

     Can one 13-year old really make a difference in peoples lives? That is what eighth grader Neha S. wondered when her father, a doctor, asked her to join him on his medical trip to the Dominican Republic. She shared the answer to her question at the Middle School assembly as part of her eighth grade forum—“Yes! one person can make a difference.”
     Neha agreed to join her father and a small group of medical personnel and three other teenagers on the eight day trip to the Dominican Republic. They arrived in the city of La Ramana, each person carrying suitcases loaded with medical supplies, medicine, toys, shoes, and clothes, then set off with three local people to set up clinics in the bateys. A batey is a small, remote village near the sugar-cane fields, often with no plumbing or sewer system. Once villagers learned of the clinic, lines of people awaited treatment. Neha helped organize the people waiting, taking their blood pressure and other relevant information. She explained that the people in the bateys were very poor, but were very appreciative of the medical care they received. Throughout the week, the group traveled to over 20 different bateys providing medical clinics.
     "It was a lot of fun,” explains Neha. “The best part was meeting the people, they were all so happy. The hardest part was when we ran out of clothes and toys for the children at a batey. We were only supposed to give them each one item that they needed because we only had what we could carry in our suitcases. So when a child needed shoes and a shirt, it was hard to say no but sometimes we just couldn’t.”

Thoroughly Modern Millie Unplugged

      One day after the final curtain call of Thoroughly Modern Millie, the stage is bare, the costumes and wigs packed away, and the scenery pulled apart ready to be transformed into the set for the fifth grade’s upcoming play.  All that remains are the cheers of BRAVO and FABULOUS that can be heard throughout campus shouted to the cast and crew.
     Now the show’s producer, Paul Belanger, reflects on the musical. “Early on in the planning process you have a vision,” he explains, “and this was one of those shows where our vision was surpassed by the end result. Millie was one of the most complicated shows we have ever done. The set, tech, acting, costume, dance, music, and band—every piece of the production, on-stage and behind the scenes—came together to create an entertaining show.”
Read entire story and view slideshow

Winter Sports Awards

Athletes honored at ceremonies

     Bancroft School athletes were honored last month at the Upper School and Middle School Sports Awards ceremonies. The Coaches recapped the season's highlights and paid tribute to the athletes' commitment and effort.
Read complete award listing.

Headmaster Awarded Key to City

     Scott R. Reisinger, Headmaster at Bancroft, was recognized recently for his leadership and contributions to the community by The Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows of Massachusetts at their 16th Annual Arthritis Charity Ball in Worcester on March 27.
     Organizers of the event, Clarence Plant and Wendy Baker commented to Reisinger in a letter of invitation that he was chosen this year “because of his significant contributions, strong leadership, and years of dedication to Worcester County, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”  Past recipients of this same honor have included US Congressman James McGovern, Lt. Governor Timothy Murray, and last year’s Leadership Award winner, Governor Deval Patrick.
     During the ceremony, Reisinger received a key to the City of Worcester from city counselor Kate Toomey on behalf of the Mayor’s office. In his remarks to the audience of approximately 300 guests Reisinger stated “Bancroft School has been the site and a supporter of the arthritis walk for many years. Honored by this recognition, I accept the award on behalf of the school and look forward to many years of partnership with the Foundation.”