HIGHLANDER SUMMER HAPPENINGS — 2 0 1 2 — www.pingree.org A Newsletter from Pingree School Planning ahead…

PINGREE’S ADMISSION CALENDAR

OCTOBER 1, 2012 Tours and Interviews start OCTOBER 13, 2012 Open House 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. NOVEMBER 14, 2012 Information Night 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. DECEMBER 8, 2012 ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam)* JANUARY 12, 2013 ISEE JANUARY 15, 2013 Application Deadline FEBRUARY 1, 2013 Financial Aid Deadline MARCH 10, 2013 Admission Decision Mailing APRIL 5 & 9, 2013 Revisit Days for Accepted Students APRIL 10, 2013 Accepted Students Notice of Intent MAY 18, 2013 Placement Day

* Consult Admission page on website to learn more about the ISEE and applying to our Pingree Scholars Program. Grads to Play College Athletics Nearly 20 graduating Pingree seniors will play college level athletics next year, an impressive number out of a class of only 86. They include a young man who will play football at Amherst College after serving as captain of the Pingree squad while also singing with our elite Spectrum Highlights choir and participating for three years in our dance program; a young woman who will run at the University of Pennsylvania after captaining our cross-country team, spearheading the school’s many initiatives as president of our Environmental Club, and winning awards for her outstanding photography; a young man who will play lacrosse at Elon University after serving as the student leader of the Pingree Multicultural Coalition and as a representative to the national Student Diversity Leadership Conference; a young woman who will swim at The George Washington University after singing with our a cappella choir and serving as a head tour guide for our Office of Admission; and a young man who will play basketball at Skidmore, threw pots in the ceramics studio as skillfully as he throws balls on the court, and competed in the Tour de Cure and other fundraising events for a cause he fights daily himself – Type 1 Diabetes. These students all represent what we at Pingree refer to as “cross training” – that combination of commitment to and participation in arts, athletics, academics, and community that we foster and value so much. Senior Wins Pingree Introduces National Engineering Program “Introduction to Engineering” will debut at Pingree beginning Essay Contest this fall. The course will cover general engineering principles Senior Bianca Capone, who will attend and analysis, as well as various problem types for electrical, civil, Columbia University in the fall, recently environmental and mechanical/industrial engineers. won a prestigious national essay contest Pingree science teacher Kathy Dedieu, P.E., a licensed professional sponsored by the United States Institute of Peace engineer who has 17 years of experience domestically and abroad, (USIP), the independent, non-partisan conflict management including work for Doctors Without Borders leading teams center created by Congress to, according to its website, “prevent drilling drinking water wells in South Sudan, will design and and mitigate international conflict without resorting to violence. teach the course. A Pingree alumna, Kathy earned bachelor and USIP works to save lives, increase the government’s ability to deal masters degrees in civil engineering from Bucknell and MIT, with conflicts before they escalate, reduce government costs, and respectively. enhance our national security.” The course is open initially to juniors and seniors, but plans Bianca will receive $1,000 along with an all-expense-paid trip to are underway to expand the program to include several levels of Washington, DC where she will join the other national award courses that will begin in freshman year. “Adding engineering recipients for a weeklong workshop. Participants will take part in to our science program further enhances our ability to provide simulation exercises, meet with Congressional representatives and relevant and forward-thinking curriculum that prepares students other government officials, hear lectures, visit sites, and more. for careers in the math and science fields,” says Head of School Every year, USIP sponsors the essay contest for high school Tim Johnson. “Working closely with Kathy Dedieu, students students. This year, the topic was, “How can new media best be will learn about the many forms of engineering while working leveraged to help build peace and prevent conflict?” USIP receives individually and in teams to close to 1200 entries from across the country. One winner is solve complex, open-ended selected from each state. problems.” Bianca’s essay is posted on Pingree’s homepage. Please go to http://www.pingree.org/cf_news/view.cfm?newsid=558

‘Who Knows?’ Plans Next Session

“Who Knows?,” Pingree’s new program of afternoon courses for middle school students taught by Pingree faculty, finished its first session of classes on May 11 with requests for a reprise in the fall. Responding to the enthusiastic response, we will indeed have a fall session. Our spring roster of classes met on Fridays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for four weeks. Subjects included “Robotics” taught by Technology Education teacher Dave Medvitz; “Chemistry and Forensics” taught by science teacher Amanda Mack; “Creative Writing” taught by English teacher Michelle Ramadan; and “The Art of Bookmaking” taught by art teacher Deb VanderMolen. These and other courses may be available in the fall. Plans will be finalized over the summer and in the early fall. If you would like to be on the mailing list, please email Judith Klein, Director of Communications, at [email protected] or call her at 978-468-4415 ext. 233. Check www.pingree.org for updates. HIGHLANDER HAPPENINGS SUMMER 2012 Students Erect Thoreau Cabin Replica To honor the work, values, and love of learning that retiring faculty member Ailsa Steinert has shared with Pingree for more than 46 years as an inspirational teacher, writer, colleague and friend, the Pingree community is constructing a replica of the cabin that Henry David Thoreau built at Walden Pond in 1845. The goal is to use, as much as is feasible, the same tools, materials, and construction techniques as Thoreau employed while building his house between March and December of 1845. Pingree students, supervised by adults, and using hand tools exclusively, will construct an axe-hewn timber frame with bought, salvaged, and traded construction materials. Their tools are those that would have been found in a mid-19th-century-style toolbox such as a felling axe and broadaxe; timber chisels, slicks and mallets; buck-, rip-, and crosscut saws; and squares, plumb-bobs, augers, and chalklines. A 19th-century smithy forge will be created on campus for students to make hinges, fireplace tools, and other hardware. Students engaged in the construction as their afternoon activity will apply their mathematical, engineering, drafting, artistic, and planning skills. Once completed, the cabin will serve as a quiet spot for contemplation, outdoor study, writing, reading, and small group activity.

Check the school’s website and the blog at http://www.highlanderthoreauhouse.blogspot.com for updates.

Teacher Named What Are You Reading Klingenstein Fellow This Summer? Pingree history teacher Andrew Lee has The entire Pingree community – students, faculty and staff – will been chosen from a competitive field of read The Other Wes Moore this summer. As the description on independent school teachers to participate Amazon reads, “Two kids with the same name lived in the same in the Summer Institute for Early Career decaying city. One went on to be a Rhodes Scholar, decorated Teachers as a Klingenstein Fellow in June combat veteran, White House Fellow, and business leader. The 2012. For two weeks, Lee will join 75 other other is serving a life sentence in prison. Here is the story of two young educators from throughout the boys and the journey of a generation.” The choice for the 2012 United States who are also committed to Pingree “Community Book” was pursuing independent school leadership. made by a committee of faculty and The institute is run by Teacher’s College students with input from others in of Columbia University and held at The Lawrenceville School in the community. To create a truly

Lawrenceville, New Jersey. shared and rich experience, we hope

“I hope to meet really engaged teachers with a passion for helping to have the author visit campus for

students in all walks of private school life,” explains Lee. “In an assembly and meet with classes. addition, I hope to engage with some of the best master teachers { in the country around concepts of school leadership and training.” { Lee, a graduate of Phillips Academy/Andover, earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Brown University and a GO TO... Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Boston University. Born www.pingree.org in Canada but raised in Hong Kong before coming to the United for updates & school news States for prep school, Lee is completing his second year of teaching at Pingree. Sculpture Show to Return Pingree’s Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit will return for its third season in September with 20–25 New England artists displaying their work throughout our 100-acre campus. Several new sculptors will join the show this year and returning artists will bring new work. The 2012 exhibit will include some indoor displays of kinetic pieces by a Newton artist who is also a Boston architect. In addition, a grant from the Fleetwing Foundation will fund a recorded tour of the show that visitors can access via cell phone as well as other enhancements to the exhibit. The Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit continues to garner a great deal of attention from Boston and our surrounding communities. Be sure to make time to walk around campus and see it when you come to visit! It will remain up until Thanksgiving break.

SENIOR STUDENT PROFILES

OLIVIA MILLER ’12 KENNY ABOAGYE- Hometown: Melrose ADINKRA ’12 Middle School: Melrose Veterans Hometown: Lynn Memorial Middle School Middle School: Robert L. Ford, K – 8

Academic highlights: I have been Academic highlights: The academic area challenged in many of my courses at Pingree. where I have developed the most is writing. I have always loved English and have been It was in my junior year with Mr. Gracey in Ms. Steinert’s class for the past two years. that I began to realize my potential as a She is an incredible teacher who clearly loves what she does and, like all writer. He pushed me to work hard, and spent many hours helping of my teachers, pushes you to stretch yourself. She finds the beauty in me through the process of completing each writing assignment. Many prose and poetry, and shares that beauty with all of her students. other teachers at Pingree have encouraged me to try out different styles Defining Pingree moment: Theater Director Barbara Whitney has in my writing. They have helped me find my voice by asking me to delve been an incredibly creative and supportive teacher who has taught me into uncomfortable topics. One of my most memorable pieces was that to contribute to a successful experience there needs to be a shared a personal narrative about the stress associated with being an African excitement. This fall I played a lead role in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern American male in a predominantly white independent school. are Dead. When I was given the part of Guildenstern, I quickly realized Athletics: My experience as a four-year varsity football player has that this was a very academic show and that I would have to approach my taught me many things. First, I have found that my team became script with a new passion. My part was text heavy, with many contextual my family, and that this relationship is what contributed the most to references. I had never explored a role so thoroughly, and this was a our success. Second, I discovered that coaches will push you when transformative experience. they believe in you. As Coach VanTuyl shared, “If we didn’t think Most important lesson: When I came to Pingree, I could have been you had potential, we wouldn’t be pushing you so hard. You should described as quite shy. I have found my voice at Pingree because the be concerned when your coaches are not pushing you.” I will always teachers make themselves available, and you quickly learn how to talk to remember the thrill of winning back-to-back championships, and adults and self advocate. Also, students are encouraged to work together, leading my team as one of the captains in my senior year. and from this experience I have become more eloquent in my approach Most important lessons: What I learned from Pingree is that to others in a manner that is respectful and supportive. everyone’s voice matters. Don’t be afraid to speak up against something Future plans: I had many wonderful choices for college including you disagree with because you never know who you will impact by Manhattan School of Music and the New England Conservatory. I have doing this. I also learned how to develop relationships with all kinds of decided to attend Harvard, where I plan to study music and the dramatic people, adults as well as peers, and to refrain from judging others until arts. I want to be a performer, and Pingree has given me the courage you take the time to get to know them. and support I need to pursue this dream. Activities: My most important activity at Pingree is being a member, SENIOR STUDENT PROFILES continued and then a leader of, the People of Color affi nity group at Pingree. This JACK MITCHELL ’12 is a group of students and adults who identify as people of color within the Pingree community and meet weekly to share thoughts, ideas, and Hometown: Rockport frustrations in a safe environment. Middle School: Glen Urquhart School, Future plans: I will be attending Amherst College where I hope to Beverly double major in economics and psychology. I will also be playing Academic highlights: My love of history football at Amherst. While I had other great choices for college, Amherst comes from my grandfather who has a Ph.D. has qualities that reminded me the most of Pingree. It has a climate that and teaches at Vanderbilt University. I have values respect for others, owning your language, and pushing yourself spent a lot of time talking to him about many in all areas. Just as I have experienced during the last four years, I know different topics. I really like the history classes at Pingree because they that at Amherst I will be propelled forward as a student and an athlete. are discussion based. Debates are an important part of the classes, and this has really pushed me to fi nd my voice and be a strong contributor. This spring, I am in a course on World Issues where we discuss articles EMMA GAQUIN ’12 from the New York Times. I hope to study journalism in college, and Hometown: Hamilton reading the newspaper each day has continued to spark my interest in Middle School: Miles River Middle this fi eld. I also was in a class called Rebel Writers, and we focused on editorial style which helped me to learn about techniques a writer uses School to get a point across. Academic Highlights: What stands out Arts at Pingree: I am very involved in the music program at Pingree. most for me in my academic experience at I play the bass guitar in our Rock Ensemble, and am also a part of the Pingree is that I challenged myself to take Instrumental Ensemble with our Director of Music Eric Haltmeier. Advanced Placement classes, and realized I had a great experience in the winter when I played in the pit band that I could be successful. My teachers believed in me, and that gave for our production of Chicago. This was a new opportunity for me to me the confi dence to take two APs this year. My AP Environmental explore music and, though it was challenging, it was fun to be a part of a class deals with real world problems, and I have discovered that this four-member band. is an area I want to pursue in college. While I have always enjoyed art, my AP Art History class has taught me to look at art in a new way. I Athletics: I am a member of the varsity baseball team, but my real recently traveled to Paris with my family, and was able to appreciate that passion is writing about sports. I have a blog entitled “The Mitchell experience at a deep level because of what I have learned in that class. Draft Company” where I analyze the New England Patriots. Football is The speed and quantity of information in these classes is challenging, my favorite sport to write about, even though an injury has prevented me but I have developed excellent time management skills as a scholar- from playing. The blog has provided good practice for both my writing athlete, and that has helped a great deal. and web design skills, and it has a large following. Connections at Pingree: What stands out for me about Pingree is how Athletic experience: I have been a committed competitive swimmer for many years, and Pingree allowed me to continue with my year-round close I have gotten to some of my teachers. I have not taken art classes training. This was very important to me, since this is a sport I plan to while here, but I do spend a lot of time with Mr. Erickson in the Art pursue in college. At Pingree, I have been a two-year varsity captain. Room because he is such a huge Patriots fan. We have had some great Our team placed fi rst last year and second this year in the small school conversations in that room. New England championship tournament. Plans for the future: I will be attending the University of Connecticut

in the fall and will be in their pre-journalism program. I wanted a big Most important lessons: Pingree has allowed me to try new things and know that although I may not always be successful, I will always school with a strong D1 athletic schedule that I could follow and write be supported. I have had the opportunity to become involved in many about. My college counselor, Mr. Carey, really helped in my college

leadership activities and have been able to work closely with the faculty search. He was very supportive but didn’t make any promises. He let to help make Pingree an even better place. As a Head Tour Guide for me explore my options, and I am really happy with the outcome. two years, I have represented the school at various admission events. In { my role on the Student Life Committee, I meet with students, the Head { of School, Dean of Students, and Academic Dean to discuss important school issues and to be a part of important changes. Plans for the future: I will be attending George Washington University GO TO... where I am interested in pursuing coursework in environmental science, public health and Spanish. I will be a member of their swim team, and www.pingree.org am really looking forward to continuing to be involved in school life for updates & school news groups where I can have an impact on the community. HIGHLANDER HAPPENINGS SUMMER 2012 Ten Great Reasons to Off to College STUDENTS IN THE CLASS OF 2012 WERE ACCEPTED Think about Pingree TO THE FOLLOWING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. 1 Small classes where students are known by their teachers CONGRATULATIONS! and peers Aberystwyth University Kenyon College The Peabody Institute 2 Awesome courses such as American Cultural Studies, (UK) Lasell College of The Johns Hopkins American University Lehigh University University Mandarin Chinese, and Engineering Amherst College Lesley University Trinity College 3 A robust visual and performing arts program Arizona State University Lewis & Clark College Tufts University Assumption College Loyola University Tulane University 4 Twenty-four championship athletic teams over the last four Babson College Maryland Union College Bard College Manhattan School University of Colorado years, and a place on a team for every student who wants one Bates College of Music at Boulder 5 A diverse student body from 45 different towns, 60% from Bentley University Marshall University University Boston College Massachusetts College of Connecticut public and 40% from independent middle schools Boston Conservatory of Pharmacy & University of Delaware 6 Financial aid for 30% of the student body, a testament to our Boston University Health Sciences University of Denver Bowdoin College McGill University University commitment to access Bowling Green State Merrimack College of Manchester (UK) Miami University, University of Maryland, 7 University Opportunities for global experiences in the United States Brandeis University Oxford College Park and abroad through our Learning Across Borders program Bryant University Muhlenberg College University of Carnegie Mellon New College of Florida Massachusetts, 8 Focused service learning opportunities throughout every University New England College Amherst student’s four years Case Western Reserve New England University of University Conservatory of Music Massachusetts, 9 Transportation options for students living beyond Clark University Northeastern University Boston Pingree’s contiguous towns and cities Clarkson University Northwestern University University of Coastal Carolina Oberlin College Massachusetts, 10 A school community that expects students to explore new University Oberlin Conservatory Dartmouth interests, discover new passions, and achieve academically, Colby College of Music University of athletically, and artistically College of Charleston Pace University, Massachusetts, College of the New York City Lowell Holy Cross Pennsylvania State University of Miami Colorado College University, University of Michigan PINGREE SCHOOL Columbia University University Park University of Connecticut College Pitzer College New England FACTS AND FIGURES Cornell University Point Park University University of Providence College New Hampshire Campus Size: 100 acres Davidson College Denison University Quinnipiac University University of Enrollment: 335 Dickinson College Rhodes College Pennsylvania Average Graduating Class: 80 Drexel University Roanoke College University of Pittsburgh Hometowns of Students: 51 Durham University Rochester Institute Eastman School of Technology University of Faculty with Master’s Degrees: 60% of Music of the Rollins College Puget Sound Stairs: 444 University Saint Anselm College University of Rhode Island Student/Teacher Ratio: 6:1 of Rochester Saint Joseph’s Eckerd College University University of Average Class Size: 12.8 Elon University Saint Michael’s College Richmond Students of Color: 15% Emerson College Santa Clara University University of Rochester University of Elevators: 2 Emmanuel College Sarah Lawrence College School of the Museum San Francisco Means of Transportation to Pingree: train, Endicott College Fairfi eld University of Fine Arts University of Southern California bus, car, bike, feet Furman University Simmons College University of St. Average Length of Faculty Tenure: 12 years Gettysburg College Skidmore College Andrews (Scotland) Gordon College Spelman College AP Courses: 11 University of Utah Grinnell College St. John’s University – University of Vermont Number of AP Scholars last year: 10 Harvard University Queens Campus Vassar College 2011 National Merit – Commended Students: 6 High Point University St. Lawrence University Villanova University Hobart and William St. Olaf College Fireplaces in original house: 15 Wellesley College Smith Colleges Stetson University 100% West Virginia University Senior Accepted to College: Howard University Stonehill College Wheaton College (MA) Students participating in Pingree Athletics: 83.6% Indiana University Suffolk University Whitman College Students participating in the Arts at Pingree: 89% at Bloomington Syracuse University The College of Wooster Worcester Polytechnic 2011 Graduates playing collegiate sports: 22% Johns Hopkins University The George Institute Washington University

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