1. Students have been powering through their AP exams this week, burning through #2 pencils and occupying many of the meeting spaces on campus. Knowles Hall has been particularly busy, underscoring again how useful that space has been in our new building. Despite the pressure of a national three-hour exam, students have generally exhibited a sense of accomplishment when they emerge from the test site. Yes, they are relieved to be done with it, and they also take pride in knowing they persevered through a challenging curriculum and saw it through to the end. I am pleased to observe that the teachers who handle the AP classes are truly wizards of imparting wisdom while also instilling confidence in their students. The tests are sent back to College Board and scores will be available to students in July

 

Many thanks to Andrea Eckler (our AP coordinator) and all the many parent proctors who have helped out this week and who will be helping next week. They have helped the process go very smoothly so far.

 

 

2. We always have great stories about how students are managing their many CA commitments. One of them occurred this week and involved senior Emma Richards. Emma suffered a serious injury at the lacrosse game, underwent surgery the next day, and then came to her final choir concert that same night. Talk about dedication! Yet after twelve consecutive trimesters in choir, Emma very much wanted to have the opportunity to attend her last concert. Thankfully, not all students have to balance their many activities amidst such challenges, but it’s true that many of our kids are handling a mix of academics, arts, and athletics, and doing so at a very high level. I am impressed daily by their commitment and dedication.

 

And on that note (pun intended), all the concerts this week, not to mention the musical last weekend, have been wonderful examples of student talent in action. I look forward to a few more in the days ahead, culminating in the spectacular Honors Recital on May 19.

 

 

 

3. Nature is very much with us these days. Between the elegant cormorant on Woody’s Pond, the aggressive geese all over campus, swarming bees around Schotters Music Building, skunks in the basement of Welborn House, and the ever-present bunnies and squirrels, there are days the human population can feel outnumbered. Undoubtedly, we will also see an occasional coyote on campus in the early mornings. After awhile I wonder if we shouldn’t just vacate the premises for a few weeks in the spring and let the wildlife really take over!   As always we do our best to go about our school business in harmony with the other living creatures. In the end, I truly appreciate the amazing pastoral oasis of our campus.