Worcester Academy Middle School Viewbook 2016

d e r i p s n IInspired Y

R E T S RCE

M E D A AC

Ins pir e

WO

BECOME

MIDDLE SCHOOL

We understand that selecting the right school is an important decision that will have an everlasting impact.

Students were invited to tell their Worcester Academy story in six words.

We hope that their powerful statements will inspire you as you explore all that Worcester Academy has to offer.

BECOME INSPIRED.

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“ACHIEVE THE HONORABLE”

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has been Worcester Academy’s motto for more than

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150

years.

WORCESTER ACADEMY

“An awesome place.

I love it.”

Middle school is pivotal. During these years, students build a strong sense of themselves as they explore new interests and discover personal passions.

They develop attitudes toward learning that will influence the rest of their lives.

And they expand their awareness of the world. In no other time except the toddler years do a person’s brain and body undergo such dramatic change. This is why the middle school years are known for being challenging.

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Worcester Academy’s Middle School is INSPIRING.

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“Worcester Academy thinks about each step of the middle school experience so that students become advocates of their own education. My daughters feel heard and known by their teachers, which makes them very invested as students.”

—SUSAN, parent

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“Have new perspective on my future.”

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Inside and outside the classroom, Worcester Academy builds a foundation for lifelong learning.

Our curriculum invites students to investigate big questions, build critical thinking skills, and collaborate with peers. Students engage in realworld projects that are hands-on and offer authentic contact with the community beyond our campus.

Students also stretch themselves by exploring arts, athletics, and after-school clubs. As a result, students take ownership of their own learning— motivated to set their own goals, overcome challenges, and connect their discoveries to the broader world. They recognize their enduring ability to learn and come to view each success or failure as an opportunity for growth. They also build character as each day they live by Worcester Academy’s core values of Honor, Respect, Community, Personal Growth, and Challenge.

“Worcester Academy teaches us more because our work feels connected to the real world. We have opportunities to think independently and be open-minded.”

—OWEN, grade 8

110

MIDDLE SCHOOL day students

490

UPPER SCHOOL boarding and day students

Average Middle School CLASS SIZE of

14

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6-12/PG

WORCESTER ACADEMY

serves students in grades 6–12, and a post-graduate year.

In 6th and 7th grade, every student receives an

iPad WORCESTER ACADEMY | middle school

because technology is integrated throughout our curriculum.

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“We challenge students with work that is interdisciplinary and real. When students know that what they create is not just for teachers, the meaning of the work increases.

Students start to consider how they want to be viewed— as a scholar and as a person—within their community.”

—KEVIN MCCARTHY, middle school history and social sciences department chair

PORTRAIT OF A LEARNER

“It’s cool to be smart here.”

In 8th grade, every student receives a

MacBook.

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Is the topic of immigration best studied through the lens of history, math, science, arts—or all of the above? Worcester Academy students study topics in-depth, exploring the intersection of ideas and disciplines. Field trips, speakers, and online resources take learning beyond textbooks. Students then collaborate on projects that are shared outside school walls. Along the way, students master core academic content and make valuable observations about how they learn. They emerge as self-aware, independent learners with the problem-solving and communication skills to navigate a diverse world.

6TH GRADE HIGHLIGHTS “The work we do isn’t just for a grade—it’s an event. We are part of

“Worcester Academy makes the best experiences.”

something bigger than just a piece of paper to hang on the wall.”

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—DANIELLE, grade 6

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ARTS CAFÉ Twice a year sixth graders combine social studies, art, mathematics, English, drama, and technology to create an “Arts Café.” Students research past eras, ranging from the ancient Greeks to the Italian Renaissance. Students design a menu and a short play that relate to that culture. They calculate per unit food costs and set pricing. Finally, they prepare the food themselves and present the event to delighted parents.

6

th

events

grade sampling of

Experience WA writing workshop Theme for

HUMANITIES CLASSES: Identity and Exploration

Field trip: Build teamwork with new 6th grade friends Audition for Middle School

PLAY OR MUSICAL

“Worcester Academy challenges you. Hands-on is a better way to learn and it’s more fun, so you try to do your best.”

—ARUSH, grade 6

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Choose Latin, Spanish, French, or Mandarin

Try a new sport

Ceramics?

Robotics?

Model UN? Try a new elective each semester

Learn the art of constructive classroom discussions Explore ancient cultures at the Metropolitan

MUSEUM OF ART in NYC

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Perform an excerpt from a famous speech for The Dexter Prize Speaking Competition, open to grades 6-8

Go all out at Spirit Day games for whole Middle School

Participate in National Mythology Exam…and maybe win a medal

Present first Arts Café

Celebrate ingenuity with Invention Convention

6TH GRADE HIGHLIGHTS

INVENTION CONVENTION Would you like a tool to clean soccer cleats? Or a portable sink? The Invention Convention fosters innovation, critical thinking, and communication skills as students identify problems and then design solutions. Students write daily reflections as they build, test, and revise inventions. They present their work during Worcester Academy’s Science Week.

11 me to be creative. I have to think of ideas and how I’m going to make them happen.”

—KRISH, grade 6

Present at the Arts Assembly

Field trip: The class is ready to tackle bigger challenges!

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th

grade sampling of

events

Create class museum display: “Met Comes to WA”

Enjoy monthly Middle School social events: dodgeball tournament, BBQ, etc.

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“The projects in my classes require

7TH GRADE HIGHLIGHTS

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“No longer afraid of a challenge.”

DESIGNING “HUMAN” HANDS Alongside their study of the science of the human body, seventh graders work in teams to design and build prosthetic hands. Using a variety of materials, students first create a prototype, complete with all its digits and joints. Students then test their models with simple tasks, like holding an egg.

Through trial and error, students collaborate to reach a final design.

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7

th events

grade sampling of

Field trip: 3 days at Nature’s Classroom for hands-on science

Theme for Humanities classes:

CULTURAL IDENTITY

Write free verse poetry

Go to middle school dances Continue

LATIN, SPANISH, FRENCH, OR MANDARIN

“Everyone tries new things here, so I feel comfortable trying new things too. When something doesn’t work how I expected, I don’t call it a mistake. I call it learning.”

—ZOE, grade 7

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Field trip: Travel Freedom Trail in Boston

Try a new sport

Perform with band or choir in holiday concert

Become a peer

ROLE MODEL through Pillars or join student government

Write a personal

MEMOIR

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“When you know someone else will receive your work, you push to do your best. It was interesting seeing someone read their own life story, as written by me. It’s cool that we get to explore so many different stories.”

—VICTORIA, grade 7

Dress in historical costumes to debate ideas in U.S. Constitution

Design a prosthetic hand

INTERVIEW IMMIGRANTS to document their stories

SUBMIT TO THE NATIONAL

Scholastic Art & Writing competition

Make iMovies about women in history

Field trip: Examine historical perspectives on immigration at Ellis Island

7TH GRADE HIGHLIGHTS

IMMIGRATION IMMERSION

Field trip: Meet veterans and hear their experiences

in another language to share with students in other countries.

Field trip: End the year with class bonding

PRESENT STORIES from Immigration Project

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th

grade sampling of

events

CREATE IPAD STORIES

Use coding and mathematical concepts to put robots into action

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In English class, each student interviews an immigrant he or she knows—perhaps a family friend or neighbor—to create a book documenting that immigrant’s unique story. In Math, students find meaningful statistics and create charts relating to their contact’s birth country. In American Studies, students examine the role of immigration in building our nation. In Science, students study germ theory and how global health issues have affected immigrants in the past and today. After a class field trip to Ellis Island, months of work culminate when students present what they have learned—and the books they have created— to the immigrants they had interviewed.

8TH GRADE HIGHLIGHTS

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“Everyone supports you and your ideas.�

16 CULTURAL FOOD GUIDEBOOKS

Working in teams, students visit local food markets that represent cultures from around the world.

They sample cuisines and interview entrepreneurs.

Then students write articles about the markets and the history of each ethnic community in the Worcester area. Students assemble their writing, along with photos and recipes, into a self-published book that is shared with the community, including the markets and local chambers of commerce.

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th

events

grade sampling of

Star in Middle School play or musical

Enter the Talent Show

Theme for Humanities classes:

FINDING STORIES IN THE WORLD

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Everyone has their own story and background, and I opened up to embrace those differences. For me, ‘achieving the honorable’ means putting in my best effort and being passionate about everything I do.”

—CALEB, grade 8

Write a blog about a topic of personal interest

Become a peer role model through Pillars or join student government

Mentor younger players on athletic teams

Skype with students in French-speaking schools in Haiti; talk with native Spanish-speakers from the community; meet Mandarinspeaking students right here on campus.

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“Making the cultural guide books is real-world learning.

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Lead seminar discussions—with teachers observing on the sidelines!

Represent an African country at

MOCK SUMMIT

debating current geopolitical, humanistic or environmental topics

Create Rube Goldberg designs demonstrating 10 simple machines

Field trip: Explore NYC for 4 days in an urban Outward Bound expedition

8TH GRADE HIGHLIGHTS

PUBLIC SPEAKING FINALE STORY—Spreading the Truth of Real Youth—is a culminating event of the Worcester Academy Middle School experience. Students combine their developing self-awareness, critical thinking strategies, and communication skills to deliver a powerful presentation in the popular style of TED Talk videos. Students reflect on their growth during grades 6–8 and connect their personal stories to a larger message for others.

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“We write down important

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stories from our lives and think about how to present them as a public speaker.

It’s fun to share your story and make it as meaningful to other people as it is to you.”

—LAUREN, grade 8

8th grade

CELEBRATION

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grade sampling of

events

Field trip: Visit cultural food markets and create guide book of area cuisines

Create and deliver a TED Talk-style presentation

th

ARTS AND ELECTIVES

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“ I’m challenged in many different ways.”

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Each year the Arts, English, and Social Studies classes collaborate around a core theme. With one term in each, students explore that theme through the lens of visual art, music, and drama.

Twice each year, students choose from electives ranging from band and chorus to puppetry and photography. Musical ensembles perform in a variety of venues, including a holiday concert and at nearby community organizations.

“We want students to recognize art as a vehicle people use to express themselves and their culture. The multi-sensory experiences of the arts are a way to internalize what students are learning.”

—ELIZA HALE, arts department co-chair

Through the BUILDING BRIDGES program, sixth graders collaborate with peers from neighboring Union Hill School to work shoulder to shoulder on murals and other creative initiatives. The students meet throughout the year to learn from each other and create bonds that empower all students.

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WORCESTER ACADEMY | middle school

PARTNERING WITH PARENTS

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Parents and faculty advisors have three formal conferences annually. In early fall, advisors host a “listening conference” where parents help them get to know students and set goals for the year. Later, teachers report on students’ growth. By spring, students lead the conferences, creating digital portfolios of exemplary work to present their progress to parents and advisors.

FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING STRATEGIES

“ Worcester Academy causes much personal growth.”

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“Student conferences reverse roles so that we aren’t just sitting quietly while our parents and teachers talk.

That time is my opportunity

CENTER FOR LEARNING

to say what I’ve learned and

Students with documented learning challenges can meet once a week with the Middle School Learning Specialist to hone study strategies.

how I’m going to use it.”

—ALISON, grade 7

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Each year, all Middle School students have one term of a class devoted to the executive function and study skills needed for long-term success.

Called PASS—Preparatory Academic Skills and Strategies—this class focuses on time management, organization, self-regulation, note taking, research strategies, and study skills. The Learning Specialist teaching this course also collaborates with classroom teachers on mini-lessons relating to major assignments throughout the year.

adventures

& OPPORTUNITIES

8th graders walk

26miles

as they navigate NYC during the 4-day OUTWARD BOUND trip!

We aren’t just in our own bubble. We are meeting other people and seeing places.”

–MAX, grade 7

“ Class trips help deepen our friendships.”

9/11 “I became a leader when I navigated

I learned so much

my peers through

when we went to

New York City.”

the Metropolitan

– NAOMI, grade 8

Museum of Art in New York. When we are working on something real, then we get passionate about it.

—BEN, grade 6

In addition to Ellis Island, 7th graders visit the 9/11

MEMORIAL & MUSEUM

and tour Trinity Church on Wall Street with a pastor who was present on that significant day.

More than

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AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS, ranging

from Ultimate Frisbee to Yearbook to Computer Programming.

“When I left my comfort zone, entering the unknown became the new normal

STUDENT GOVERNMENT, the Our

Board of Monitors, was founded in

1886 In the BELL CHOIR, students craft their own compositions.

Our Middle School MATH TEAM is a frequent top scorer at regional meets.

With Lake Quinsigamond

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minutes from campus,

SAILING CLUB is

a natural.

and I’ve never looked back.”

—BRIAN, grade 8

PILLARS EDUCATORS teach

peers about making good choices.

FACULTY

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“ WA teachers are dedicated to students.”

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Our faculty are experts in their subject areas and in teaching middle school students. Behind the scenes, teachers work closely to craft integrated, inquiry-based experiences that will draw students into a subject matter and empower them to take ownership of their learning. Our programs are aligned with best practices in the field of middle school education, and we make ongoing professional development a priority for teachers.

“My teachers are intelligent, caring, and so helpful.

I’m so glad I came to Worcester Academy.”

—SHANIA, grade 6

ADVISORY Once a week students meet in small groups with faculty advisors to focus on goal setting, and discuss timely topics in the context of our school’s core values. Students know that faculty advisors are a resource for navigating their path through middle school.

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ATHLETICS

“ Discovered myself and so much more.”

“We encourage middle schoolers to enjoy themselves and use sports to grow physically, socially, and intellectually. We want them to understand that athletics can be a springboard for their own personal excellence.”

—ED REILLY, athletic director

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Middle school is an important time to dive into athletics. Whether students play a sport that is already a favorite or try something new, Worcester Academy coaches help them develop skills and lay the foundations for lifelong fitness. Students learn discipline and leadership skills as they build successful teams, persevere, and put our school values into action on the field. In the process they gain confidence, form friendships, and have fun.

“When I first came to Worcester Academy, I was a

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little shy, but then I became

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a student leader on the field.

Now school is my home away from home. Every day I look forward to seeing everyone.”

—TOMMY, grade 8

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAMS / Baseball / Basketball (boys and girls) / Cross Country (boys and girls) / Field Hockey / Flag Football / Lacrosse (boys and girls) / Soccer (boys and girls) / Softball / Swimming (boys and girls) / Track & Field (boys and girls) / Wrestling

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WORCESTER ACADEMY | middle school

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The classic

WARNER THEATER seats

400

CO-CURRICULAR ARTS

“Came to Worcester Academy.

Got Creative.”

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Each year Worcester Academy Middle School students assemble costumes, build sets, and perform a play and a musical. Our faculty specialize in identifying plays that resonate for middle schoolers, often choosing adaptations of literary works. Every third year, students perform a work from Shakespeare, adapted to make the story and language meaningful for this age. Also during after-school hours, students can choose from Open Art Studio or Bell Choir.

“When we are in the middle of doing a play or musical, everyone is all Recent additions and renovations have created a

BLACK BOX

performance space, plus studios specifically designed for arts instruction.

for it. When we all work together toward the same goal, even the boring parts—like memorizing lines—become fun.”

—JULIETTE, grade 7

CAMPUS

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“ A big campus feels like home.”

To many middle schoolers, arriving at Worcester Academy each day feels like coming to school on a mini-college campus…with historically significant buildings surrounding a beautiful green quad. Within this setting, Rader Hall 34 gives Middle School students their own space. Meanwhile, they pursue athletics and arts in state-of-the-art facilities that include two theater spaces, a full athletic center, and acres of fields, including a lighted turf field. Middle schoolers also experience a broadening of horizons from sharing this campus with Upper School students who come to Worcester Academy as boarders from throughout the nation and around the world.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Ron Cino, Head of School Worcester Academy has been an anchor of its surrounding community for more than 150 years and has high expectations for citizenship.

At an institutional level, we model our commitment to the motto “Achieve the honorable” by collaborating with city officials, local schools, neighbors, and other partners to improve education, housing, safety, and economic development in our neighborhood. Worcester Academy also shares our facilities, offers scholarships to our school and camps, and partners in sustainability activities. By aligning our actions with our mission, we inspire students to be active citizens and demonstrate leadership in their communities at and away from school.

Our Upper School students are active at organizations throughout the nearby community—making breakfast for the homeless at St. John’s Catholic Church, building houses with Habitat for Humanity, providing holiday music at nursing homes, and a variety of other activities. We have an especially close relationship with neighboring Union Hill School, where Upper School students facilitate a variety of afternoon clubs that offer reading, science, music, and other enrichment activities to younger children. In addition to understanding the value of service, our students come to appreciate the mutual benefits of learning alongside members of the community.

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WORCESTER ACADEMY | middle school

DCU CENTER arena hosts 36 concerts and sporting events

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ARTS AND CULTURAL

destinations including the Worcester Art Museum showcasing masterpieces from El Greco, Monet, Rembrandt, Picasso, Van Gogh, and Gauguin

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COMMUTER TRAINS

to and from Boston daily

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SKI TRAILS at nearby Wachusett Mountain

2nd LARGEST CITY in New England

WORCESTER ACADEMY

Worcester Academy attracts students from 80 towns and cities across Massachusetts.

Our location is convenient to city amenities such as transportation, restaurants, and shopping. Some families take advantage of our designated Worcester Academy bus that runs along Routes 9 and 495.

“Worcester Academy: Best decision I’ve made.”

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INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS

to and from Boston Logan International Airport

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NEW RESTAURANTS have opened in the last 18 months

The best way to discover all our school has to offer is to visit. Explore our campus and meet our students and faculty to experience for yourself what makes Worcester Academy so special.

Visit www.worcesteracademy.org or contact us at 508-459-5841 or admission@worcesteracademy.org.

We look forward to meeting you!

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parks including Elm Park, DESIGNED by Frederick Law Olmstead

Credits: Design: Good Design, LLC, Photography: Tom Kates, Peter Smith, Worcester Academy, Copywriting: Cheryl Bardoe, Printing: Service Press

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Feeling inspired?

Take the next step today!

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Complete an online inquiry

Schedule a tour and interview

Complete SSAT or ISEE entrance exam

Request recommendations, school report, and transcript

Complete your application by January 15

www.WorcesterAcademy.org

81 Providence Street Worcester, MA 01604