September 2019 Newsletter

Dear Bancroft Friends,

The start of school has been filled with exciting activities and positive energy all across campus. Every time I walk the halls I am in awe of the great things happening in every classroom. From Middle School scientists constructing windmills to Upper School writers engaging with published authors, our students are actively involved in meaningful work. In our dynamic and vibrant learning environment, you can always find examples of students demonstrating their talents and expanding their comfort zone. We have much to be proud of here at Bancroft. I hope you will look out for these memorable moments and share them with others in your community.  

As part of our ongoing effort to be at the forefront of innovative education, it is critical to stay aware of the changes modern technology is having on our students experience both inside and outside the classroom. Next Tuesday evening we are pleased to be partnering with the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE) to welcome Devorah Heitner to campus. Devorah is the  author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive In Their Digital World and will shed some light on this developing topic while offering advice to parents on how to be supportive in this new reality. You can register for this free event here and I hope you will attend this important conversation.  

I want to highlight two other local Worcester events this fall that feature Bancroft connections. First, we invite you to celebrate one of our accomplished alumnae, Mackenzie Melemed, as he performs a concert at Tuckerman Hall on September 21st. We are also partnering with Cinema-Worcester for a showing of Amazing Grace, a documentary about Aretha Franklin and her legacy. The film will be shown in our Harrington Theater on October 4th. You can find more information about Mackenzie's performance here and about the showing of Amazing Grace here.  

The start of school also marked the launch of our updated website bancroftschool.org. This site clearly reflects our identity and demonstrates the pride we share in our faculty, students, and programs. I hope that you will take the time to explore this site; I would love to hear your feedback.  

 

Thank you for helping us welcome the school year,

Trey Cassidy
Head of School

WELCOME NEW FACULTY & STAFF!

Please join us in welcoming our new faculty and staff! While these fresh faces are new to us, they come with a wealth of experience in and passion for education. If you see them on campus, be sure to give them a warm welcome! Read the new faculty/staff bios HERE.

SOPHOMORES BECOME WITNESSES WITH Q KARMUE '01

Bancroft alum Quanuwuanei Karmue ('01) returned to campus this past week to visit with the sophomore class. Over the summer, students read Q's book WITNESS: A Civil War Experience From A Child's Perspective. Then, on Tuesday and Wednesday, they got the chance to meet the author himself, as Q visited classrooms to engage in an open discussion about the story and the powerful message behind it. Click on the bulldog icon to WATCH VIDEO! 

LS FRIDAY SHARE DEBUT 

We love Fridays in the Lower School...and not because it is the end of the week! To close the first week of the new school year, students had their first Friday Share. Grades 1 and 2 taught us the "Hello" song, while Grade 3 informed us about respectful hallway behavior. Grade 4 reflected on the book, Wonder, and they reminded us how important it is to "choose kind." Then, Grade 5 put their own spin on the theme song for Friday Share: the "Share Cheer." In their version, Grade 5 added as many words as possible to describe who we are—as people, as Lower Schoolers, and as Bancroft students. (There was even a "Welcome Back" video from Mrs. Beckmann's dog, Kitty!)

 

Friday Share always provides opportunities for grades and individuals to share their knowledge, passions, expertise, and community awareness with the whole Lower School—and it's a wonderful way to begin Fridays! As always, parents are welcome to join Friday Shares in the Boone Room and Assemblies in the theater! Click on the bulldog icon to WATCH VIDEO from today's Friday Share! 

MS READERS MAKE BOOKS COME TO LIFE 

Some Middle Schoolers are both talking the talk and walking the walk when it comes to the classic adage: "bringing a book to life." After reading The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by Bryan Mealer and William Kamkwamba, students in Kathryn Kennedy's reading group decided to construct a working windmill! Stop by McDonough to see it for yourself!

THE PIANO MAN:
MACKENZIE MELEMED '13 TO PERFORM IN WORCESTER

Mackenzie Melemed's career as a classical pianist has taken him from China, to Switzerland, to the White House, to Finland...and now, all the way back to Worcester! 

 

As a 2013 graduate of Bancroft School, Mackenzie frequently graced Bancroft with his performances at assemblies, fundraisers, and talent shows. As he evolved from a child prodigy to a professional pianist, Mackenzie took his talents to The Juilliard School and all over the globe. Along the way, he has placed in and won many international and national competitions.

 

Now, as a professional, Mackenzie is organizing his own concert right here in Worcester! He is set to perform at 7:30pm on September 21st in Tuckerman Hall. To purchase tickets, to fall in love with classical music, and to see the success of a Bancroft alum, check out his website: mackenziemelemed.com.

THE BULLDOGS ARE READY FOR HOMECOMING '19!

Homecoming athletic games are set! Don't miss the Bulldogs in action on September 21st as they battle their rivals from Lexington Christian Academy. CLICK HERE for a full schedule of games, and cheer the Bulldogs on to victory! 

For all Bulldogs athletics news, be sure to follow us on Twitter @SportsBancroft.

Raise your hand!

As a Bancroft parent, there are many ways for you to join the community in support of your child's journey to own their learning. The Parent Faculty Association (PFA) encourages you to participate by volunteering your time for one of the many programs or events the PFA sponsors throughout the year.  Reach out to your class rep. or email pfapres@bancroftschool.org.

NOT TO BE MISSED!

Shorelines is produced by the Marketing and Communications Office at Bancroft. If you have questions or story ideas please contact kcinquanta@bancroftschool.org.

Bancroft School

110 Shore Drive • Worcester, MA 01605 • (508) 853-2640