Tower The Masters School 49 Clinton Avenue Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. 10522
VOLUME 71, NUMBER 1
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014
tower.mastersny.org
Former journalist aids teachers in college process Steinberg focused on how to write an effective recommendation in the second half of the presentation. He compared faculty recommendations to
Wen-Xuan ni Editor-in-Chief This year, the school invited author and New York Times reporter Jacques Steinberg to be “Admissions Scholar in Residence.” A resident of Westchester and a friend of a Masters family, he will share his expertise on the college process in collabora-
teacher Sharon Linsker said, “He talked about having a strong lead to grab the reader’s attention, and emphasizing certain details to help colleges understand the student’s academic and personal strengths.” Two years ago, Steinberg left The New York Times and
Steinberg has focused on education for almost 25 years. In his book The Gatekeepers, published in 2003, he shadowed a Wesleyan University admisfor over eight months to provide an inside look of the college admission process. Steinberg shared his insights with the faculty on Aug. sentation, he touched on topics such as taking rigorous courses versus earning high grades, the impact of alumni interviews and crafting of students’ application essays. To answer a frequently asked question about whether highly selective colleges favor a B in rigorous courses or an A in
WEN-XUAN NI/TOWER
FORMER NEW YORK TIMES journalist Jacques Steinburgh converses with college counselor Kathy Woods and Head of School Matt Ives. Steinburgh has been reporting on education news for more than 25 years. lower level courses, Steinberg the meeting via Skype) said that it is impossible to provide a general answer — but that the most competitive colleges like to see students do as well as they can in challenging courses. Longtime AP and senior seminar English teacher, Caroline Dumaine said, “It takes foresight for students to tell whether they will be
able to do well – a kind of foresight that may be unrealistic or even impossible.” She said she encourages students to follow their passion, though colof courses so much that many students, especially those feeling pressured, will decide to take that into consideration. In terms of application essays, Dumaine agrees with Steinberg that essays should
sound like the student’s own voice and should not be heavily edited by others. Dumaine said that she did not read her son’s essay until well after he was admitted to Brown University. When she did read it, she said she found a spelling error. Dumaine suggested that the presence of that error might have helped convince the Brown truly the work of a 17-year-old.
that works with entire cities to help every public school graduate to have access to a college education. Its offerings include scholarships, Steinberg said, “I was very intrigued by the opportunity to help build this organization, As an “Admissions Scholar in Residence,” Steinberg will periodically come to work the prospective college students throughout the year.
NYSAIS follow-up: Health Center hours extend naomi nivar Staff Writer To follow up on the 2011 and to better serve the needs of students, the school has hired a health coordinator and is extending health center hours until 8 p.m. Monday through The new health coordinator, Meredith Pope, will be on campus from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and available on-call overnight as an Emergency Medical Tech-
times. In previous years, health center was open from 7:45 am until 4 p.m. Monday through tended by four hours on weekdays. Pope decided to take the position of Health Coordinator because the nontraditional shifts work well with her busy schedule. “The hours I have allow me to go back to Physician Assistant School,” Pope said. In addition to taking classes, Pope is also teaching athletic training classes both at Mercy College and Dominican College.
have access to health care at all
school. She said, “The Masters School, as an establishment, is very supportive of continuing professional development.” Pope thinks it’s a great idea that she will now be on campus for several hours a day so that she becomes a familiar face and also connects better with both students and health center faculty. Her position was created because administration felt there was a need for a health coordinator to maintain communication between health center staff and dorm parents. Others on campus are also pleased to learn that the health center will be open longer. Jeff
Carnevale, a dorm parent in great to have health personnel on campus in case a boarder gets sick around study hall or hurt during practice.” Junior and boarder, Ali Ince, also added that she feels having a health coordinator will make the community safer. Pope is making a smooth transition into the Masters community and is already making a difference. Ginny Deckleman, Coordinator of Upper School attendance, said, “She is a fantastic addition to our faculty because she has helped me with medical forms.”
NAOMI NIVAR/TOWER
NEW HEALTH COORDINATOR Meredith Pope will be on duty from 3-8 in the afternoon. Longer health center hours benefits boarders and day students staying late after school who need medical attention.
INSIDE THE ISSUE NEW SCHOOL YEAR EXPECTATIONS
M.A.A.C. OPENING DELAYED
BETTER PRESEASON SCHEDULING
With a new start, students and faculty are all expecting changes and encounters.
Questions raised about who will get to use the M.A.A.C.
Improved schedule makes the blood, sweat and tears worth it.
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