Berwick Academy Middle School Viewbook

MIDDLE SCHOOL

CORE VALUES Balance Excellence Integrity Engagement

RYAN FEELEY

W

MIDDLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR

elcome to Berwick Academy’s Clement Middle School! I hope this viewbook provides you with a helpful introduction to what I have found to be an exciting, supportive, and joyful place. We provide an environment in which students feel comfortable feeling a little bit uncomfortable. At first glance, that statement might seem contradictory, but I believe it speaks to the balance we try to strike each day.

We offer our students a school culture in which they can take risks to learn and grow, be it through performance, delving into a world language, trying a new sport, or examining an issue from a new perspective, all the while, feeling confident in the fact that they will be celebrated for taking that risk and supported if they encounter difficulty along the way. Simply, culture matters to us, and we invest a lot of time and effort into establishing and maintaining a positive school environment.

Our teachers love working with middle school students and don’t apologize for it. We have a group of educators who understand our fifth through eighth graders, who enjoy their company, and who possess the necessary patience, energy, and flexibility to work with them effectively.

Berwick Academy is a school where it is cool to be a successful student and a good citizen!

We are very fortunate to have great kids who want to be Berwick students, and who strive to make the most of the opportunities afforded them. Our students fully immerse themselves in school life, and share their experiences with their peers and teachers so that we all become part of a dynamic learning environment.

I hope this viewbook will inspire your curiousity, encourage you to ask questions, and prompt you to explore our school further. I look forward to seeing you on campus soon!

Ryan Feeley Middle School Director

“Berwick’s Middle School is an environment where children are challenged with appropriate opportunities to learn and to grow. Our Middle School includes all of its students in strong academic, athletic, and artistic programs which prepare them to successfully continue their education, but as importantly, this experience encourages them to emerge from this tender age confidently aware of who they are as young men or young women.”

- Jonathan Witherbee, history teacher

OPPORTUNITIES

ACADEMICS HIGHLIGHTS Grade 5

Great American Project - Students use basic research skills to investigate and prepare a presentation which interprets the contributions of a significant American to our national identity.

Grade 6

Ancient History Project - Using research skills to develop questions and thesis statements, students create outlines to write five-paragraph essays. As a way to celebrate all students’ strengths and interests, this project also includes a poetry component, a two-color oil-painting, and an oral presentation supported by a PowerPoint or Prezi.

Grade 7

Science Fair - Students design experiments around questions of interest, predict anticipated outcomes, test their theories, analyze data, and share their results through a poster presentation to the community.

Grade 8

A

lthough the curriculum in the Middle School is rigorous, our teachers are supportive of their students. During the Middle School years, there is more opportunity for students to delve deeply into topics of interest, and this lends itself well to developing higher-level thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, and creative thinking. Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles in class so that they can learn the value of collaboration.

Documentary Project - After researching and writing about a topic from the 20th Century, each Berwick eighth grader spends a portion of the winter trimester in history producing a documentary on that topic. This involves creating an 8-10 minute movie, using a digital camera and software on their laptop (either iMovie or Adobe Premiere). The documentary consists of video and still pictures available on the Internet and interviews conducted and filmed by the student.

LANGUAGE OFFERINGS

LATIN MANDARIN SPANISH Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

PHILOSOPHY FOR LANGUAGE

F

ifth grade students study Latin, Mandarin, and Spanish in order to explore each language and its origin. In sixth grade, students choose one language to pursue and to build a critical foundation for our Upper School program. Beyond the fundamentals of learning a language, teachers find creative ways to blend culture, art, and travel into these courses.

“The sixth grade Spanish “monster” is one of my favorite projects because students get to create their own silly or scary “monstruo” using body vocabulary and descriptive adjectives while they put important Spanish grammar agreement rules to use.”

- Julie Alexander, Spanish teacher

ARTS

OFFERINGS

STRINGS GUITAR BAND DRUMMING CHORUS VISUAL

O

ur teachers engage students in guided discovery as they explore, experiment, research, discuss, critique, practice, create, prepare, rehearse, perform, and exhibit. Every student participates in visual and performing arts. These opportunities provide an active learning experience for students and allow them another mode of self-expression.

ATHLETICS

OFFERINGS Cross Country Field Hockey Soccer Tennis Basketball Dance

Hockey Swimming Baseball Lacrosse Softball

ATHLETICS PHILOSOPHY

T

he Middle School athletic program expects students to give their personal best to the team and recognize the benefits of being part of a larger community. Beyond traditional sports offerings, opportunities in dance and cross-training round out an extremely comprehensive program where participation, skill development, and sportsmanship are the overarching goals.

“One of the strengths of our athletic program is its versatility. Students who want to try a sport for the first time have the chance to do so in a supportive and fun environment. Students who have more experience in a given sport have the chance to play on our competitive teams against opponents of similar age and skill-level.�

- Ryan Feeley, Middle School Director

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

BERWICK INNOVATION CENTER The Berwick Academy Innovation Center provides a vehicle for students to explore an interest or pursue a passion that is outside the scope of the regular curriculum. Students undertake these year-long projects in conjunction with a faculty mentor. The final component of an Innovation Center project is a presentation in May which puts the student’s acquired knowledge and skills on display.

EXTRACURRICULARS The Middle School offers a number of opportunities for students to pursue their interests after the academic day. These extra-curricular offerings include the fall musical, math team, jazz band, the robotics team, dance classes, and private music lessons.

ACTIVITY PERIOD Activity Period is a great chance for students to try something new and share common interests with teachers and peers. We offer active, artistic, skill-based, and service opportunities including model airplane building, calligraphy, poetry writing, ultimate frisbee, first aid, yoga, and quidditch.

COMMUNITY SERVICE Middle School students have the opportunity to step outside themselves and help others through volunteer work and community service. From visiting local nursing homes to food drives to supporting those in need in Africa or Haiti, Berwick Middle Schoolers get a first-hand experience reaching out both locally and globally.

“The best thing about Berwick’s Middle School is the atmosphere of mutual respect between students and teachers that exists there and the value that is placed by all upon learning and knowledge. The School’s emphasis upon character, in addition to academics, is what drew me to Berwick.

- Melissa Williams, Middle School librarian

RELATIONSHIPS

DEANS OF STUDENTS

MOLLY MCKAY DAN EBERLE Education: Concord Academy Connecticut College, B.A. Government and Ethics Roles at Berwick: 5th and 6th Grade Dean of Students Humanities

Education: Lawrenceville School St. Lawrence University, B.A. Education and Sociology Antioch College, M.Ed.

“One of the things I enjoy most about middle schoolers is that they are so open to the world around them. The energy and excitement that comes with trying new things and stepping outside one’s comfort zone make the middle school world the best place to teach!”

Roles at Berwick: 7th and 8th Grade Dean of Students World Cultures “I am impressed with Berwick’s commitment to each student. Teachers are constantly sharing ideas and approaches that can help students reach their fullest potential. This commitment to students is obvious not only in the classroom, but on the stage, the playing field or after-school clubs.”

FACULTY

JONATHAN WITHERBEE HISTORY “I love the eighth grade documentary experience for a number of reasons.

The project allows students to work within the creative process using the

HEIDI DUEHMIG MATH AND SCIENCE

multimedia technology they love, but it also encourages them to stretch their comfort zone by conducting interviews,

meeting

deadlines,

mak-

“I love the energy that Middle

ing multiple revisions, and present-

School students have! They are

ing their learning and their work in

curious and excited about learning

a public setting. Over the past nine

new information.”

years, this project has become a Middle School rite of passage.”

SALLY NEEDELL MATH “Take advantage of this time for learning in the classroom, play on the athletic fields and courts, and on the stage. This is a great time in your life to discover your interests and abilities.

Take some

risks to test your understanding, learn to be a strong self advocate, and push yourself to see what you can do. Your classmates, teammates, teachers, and coaches will be there to support you.”

ALI VANDENBURGH ENGLISH “What I love most about Berwick is the “go for it” attitude of everyone on campus. Teachers with new ideas are encouraged to bring them into their classrooms, students with talents and passions are supported in showcasing successes and initiating new projects. There is real excitement for stretching the boundaries and pushing ourselves as individuals and as a community. It’s energizing and contagious!”

CHIP HARDING GUITAR “I like teaching Middle Schoolers because they are fun to be with, passionate about

music,

funny,

creative,

unpre-

dictable, ever-changing, and full of life.

They keep me on my toes and inspire me to do my best.”

MARC SMALL SCIENCE “I truly enjoy our all-school gatherings. Community circles are a very unique and meaningful part of Berwick tradition. I love seeing Upper Schoolers together with the

youngest

School.”

members

of

our

ADVISORY/HOMEROOM

Every student has a trusted adult advocate in the School who is also a communication link to parents.

Students also have a built-in peer group to engage in conversations and activities about important issues.

I

n the Middle School, every student is known and has a trusted faculty member they can go to for support and encouragement.

FRIENDSHIPS

“Community is by far the best thing about Berwick.

The School is a place where you can try anything you want like sports, plays, or even building planes and not be judged or teased if you fail. If anything, you are encouraged to try your interest again. The students and faculty here also help if you have any trouble with the schoolwork, and I often find myself being helped by others when I do not quite understand something. I am more than happy to return the favor when I see someone else in need, and that is what makes this community so unique.�

- Berwick student

CULTURE “What I would advise all new Middle Schoolers to do when they come to Berwick is to be as involved as you can and to try your hardest. The School is a place where you are always encouraged to try new things, and once you become used to exerting yourself, you will find yourself learning much more than if you only did what the teachers told you to.�

- Berwick student

TAKING RISKS B

erwick is a supportive and safe community that encourages students to step outside their comfort zone.

ASSEMBLY Recent presentations: Musical performance, healthy recipe contest, drumming up support for a community service initiative, and a robotics demonstration.

LEADERSHIP In the Middle School, all students have the opportunity to be leaders. Some may earn the title of elected leader in our student government, but many others prove themselves to be leaders by taking the initiative to rally for a cause, organizing a community event, or simply being comfortable enough to act as an individual. Students are encouraged to step up and meet challenges, and when they do, they are celebrated for it.

POSITIVE PEER PRESSURE

Berwick students take pride in doing what is right instead of what is popular. As a result, the cool thing to do is to be nice, work hard, and do your very best.

PREPARATION CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

“The eighth grade students have reminded me of my moral obligation as a student, teacher, and member of the Berwick community. Sharing an Ethics class with them

The Middle School is dedicated to helping students hone their moral compass and develop their personal integrity. It is our goal to continue to foster a student’s moral development by providing a challenging curriculum and being a supportive and caring school environment.

has reinforced my belief that education must cultivate more than just intellect, it must inculcate the belief that virtue is the most useful trait one can acquire.”

- Andrew Bishop, Ethics teacher

TECHNOLOGY The technology skills that our Middle School students learn and use today will be essential to them tomorrow for study, work, and community participation. We encourage students to be problem solvers, information seekers and users, and effective communicators using iPads, laptops, computers, and other technology tools.

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING This curriculum runs through our Middle School, starting in Grade 5 and culminating with Ethics in Grade 8.

Students apply social thinking skills to relevant situations encountered in and away from the academic environment in order to increase self-awareness, establish and maintain positive relationships, and learn the types of decision-making skills critical to being a positive member of our school community. Service learning is also part of this curriculum, as students find ways to apply and extend their social competencies to the greater community through service projects.

FUN

“My favorite Middle School tradition is our day at Canobie Lake Park. It’s great to see multi-grade groups of students enjoying the rides and each other, and get to have fun myself too. Students make sure that no one is left without a friend, scooping up classmates as they go from ride to ride. It’s a relaxed day to celebrate a year of dedication to learning.”

- Sally Needell, math teacher

RECESS TRIPS DONUT SOCIAL BOWLING AND HILLTOP FUN CENTER DAYS GRADE 7/8 SOCIAL DANCES COFFEEHOUSES DRESS DOWN DAYS

BLUE AND WHITE

BLUE AND WHITE ACTIVITIES

B

lue and White was created as a result of a student-driven initiative and is led by our Middle School leaders. Upon entering Berwick’s Middle School every student is assigned to either the blue or white team. During their time in the Middle School students represent their team in different events, activities, and games.

FIELD DAY FACULTY TRIVIA CHESS TOURNAMENT SPIRIT WEEK COMMUNITY SERVICE

YOUR PATH TO BERWICK

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2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

The 1791 House Burleigh Davidson (Admission Office) The Commons The Kendall Lower School The Clement Middle School The Athletic Center

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

The Jackson Library Field 1 Baseball Field Field 4 Softball Field Field 5

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Field 3, Turf Field The Jeppesen Science Center Fogg Memorial Patricia Baldwin Whipple Arts Center Field 2, Fogg Field

VISITING BERWICK

The best way for you to see if Berwick’s Middle School is a good fit for you is to visit our campus.

During your visit you will get the opportunity to have a campus tour, watch some of our classes in action, speak with faculty and students, and interview with an admission officer.

FINANCIAL AID

Berwick Academy offers need-based financial aid with over one third of families receiving some form of financial support. Berwick Academy utilizes the School and Students Services for financial aid and federal tax returns, to determine financial need and award grants. For more information, contact the Admission Office at 207.384.6300

Please call or email us to schedule a visit. phone: 207-384-6300 email: admissions@berwickacademy.org

DIRECTIONS From the South

From Rt. 95 in Southern Maine, take exit 3 in Kittery to Rt. 236N. Follow about 10-15 minutes to stop sign in South Berwick and take right onto Route 4.

Take next immediate right onto Academy Street.

Berwick Academy entrance is on the left.

From the North

Take Maine Turnpike to exit 19 (Wells exit). Take a right off the exit and follow for 1 mile. Turn left onto Route 9 into North Berwick. Take a left onto Route 4 and follow Route 4 into the Village Center. Stay on Route 4 by turning left, heading out of town. You’ll see a Dunkin Donuts on your right; Academy Street is directly across the street. Take a left on Academy Street, Berwick Academy entrance is on the left.

TRANSPORTATION

Berwick has eight bus routes, offering wifi on board all buses. Famillies may select round-trip, one-way, or pay-per-ride busing. Morning buses arrive around 8:10 and afternoon buses depart at 3:15 each day.

An afternoon activities bus is available to all students — leaving at 5:15. An express bus traveling to West Newbury and Newburyport was added in 2008. In addition to the bus, many families opt to carpool with their neighbors.

BERWICK BUS ROUTES

31 Academy Street South Berwick, Maine 03908 207.384.6300 www.berwickacademy.org

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