PALS Sprint 2016 Newsletter

PALS

Phillips Academy Andover High School Lawrence Schools

A Phillips Academy Outreach Program

Keeping Their Eyes on the Prize “It has been our pleasure to have six PALS alumni in this year’s founding class of 100.”

—Stacey Ciprich

This past fall, Stacey Ciprich, principal of the new Abbott Lawrence Academy (ALA), made a point to invite all PALS eighth-graders to apply to the academy for 2016–2017. Located within Lawrence High School, this elite school is run like a prep school. ALA students receive rigorous math instruction, study calculus in their third year, and take Advanced Placement classes and exams their senior year.

Ciprich describes PALS students as “thoughtful, determined, hardworking, and resilient—all qualities that ALA seeks and embraces in our students. We know PALS alums will come prepared and ready for a rigorous educational experience.

They have the foresight and commitment to keep their eyes on the prize of college graduation as well as the skills needed for a well-balanced and successful life—not only in the world of work, but also in their communities.”

Spring 2016 Newsletter

PALS Our Mission Established in 1988, PALS is a two-year, year-round program that provides academic enrichment, study skills, and learning strategies for Lawrence middle school students and assists them with the high school application process. At the same time, PALS provides a unique opportunity for Phillips Academy and Andover High School student volunteers to work side by side as mentors and teachers, supported by a carefully planned curriculum and experienced, qualified adults.

The “PALS” name is derived from the key partners in this program: Phillips Academy, Andover High School, and the Lawrence Schools.

Director’s message

For many of our students—rising seventhand eighth-graders from our three partner schools—it is the daily learning during the month of July that delivers the biggest impact on their lives. Patient, effective tutorials in math and expert and enthusiastic coaching in writing combine with a host of new experiences: the fun of competing in chess, basketball, or Ultimate Frisbee; the eureka moment of learning how to smack a tennis ball (and keep it in bounds); the thrill of swimming better and faster; the delight of discovering a new lunchtime favorite in Paresky Commons. These are some of the great moments that students recall.

Another benefit of the PALS daily summer program (vs. our twice-weekly academic year program) is that the summer tutoring ranks are filled by not only high school–age teacherinterns, but also college- and grad school–age instructors. Plus, contact with these teachers is longer, offering deeper and more personalized possibilities for learning.

By the same token, it means a lot to the teachers to be spending so much of each day in July with these talented, motivated youngsters. We are constantly reminded about what a terrific teaching experience PALS can be when we hear of our teaching alums (who often also have been PALS students themselves) turning to teaching or school administration as a career.

Bonds between summer students and teachers are strong: One Wednesday afternoon this winter, when PALS students were tackling rigorous work in PA’s computer center, they were offered the chance to finish the afternoon by attending a PA girls’ basketball game—with a chance to cheer for summer intern Emma Kelley, one of the team’s stars. You wouldn’t believe how excited they were and how fast they moved to get their work done!

Best wishes,

Greg Wilkin Photography: Gil Talbot, John Hurley

2015 Program Overview New skills, non sibi, and a visit with a famous author

Continuing PALS’ nearly three-decade mission, its 2015 summer program helped seventh- and eighth-graders hone their math, reading, and writing skills. UP Academy Leonard and Parthum middle school students were joined this year by peers from Up Academy Oliver. Energetic, welltrained teacher-interns taught the youngsters math skills at a higher level than typically available at many middle schools.

As is tradition, students closely read To Kill a Mockingbird, relating injustices in the novel to current community and world situations and delving into possible solutions. The teaching team added a handwriting clinic and vocabulary-building activities, and investigated and strengthened the multiple ways the youngsters are giving back to their communities in non sibi (not for self) style.

Well-crafted autobiographies led to carefully written high school admission essays in the fall.

Several admission directors visited the Phillips Academy campus to discuss the advantages of their high schools with PALS students. The

PALS program has warm and enduring relationships with these leaders, which are invaluable as students evaluate which schools would be a “proper fit” for them and learn about how to obtain scholarships.

Students also enjoyed interactions with several teenage guest interns, including a tennis ace.

Summer discussions of both the challenges and richness of the students’ communities were built upon when PALS students met with awardwinning author and poet Julia Alvarez (pictured above) in October. Alvarez, on campus to speak with and receive an award from the Phillips Academy community, is a native of Dominican Republic, also the native country of many PALS students and their families.

Near the end of the four-week program, PA Assistant Director of Admission Terrell Ivory conducted his popular “How to Interview” workshop. Along with prepping students for their fall high school interviews, the session provided valuable life skills.

The Best Part About PALS… Eighth-graders share their experiences

Following their completion of summer PALS, rising eighth-graders wrote thank-you notes to Director Greg Wilkin and his team of teachers and mentors.

Their expressions of gratitude were both fervent and charming.

“I gained a lot of confidence for eighth grade.

I learned to manage my time better and be more responsible with what I am learning. For example, if I don’t understand something I feel more comfortable asking for help.” —Katie “Everyone here is very focused and studious.

It is delightful to spend time with people who have a common goal of attending their preferred high school. Everyone at PALS is also very easy to talk to.” —Dinamary “My favorite part of summer PALS was that many quiet students found their voices. We knew it was a safe place to voice our opinions, and everyone respected one another. We had professional discussions where we agreed to disagree. The tutors made us feel comfortable sharing our thoughts.” —Vallery “I learned about programs that will help me go to private high schools, and we practiced SSATs. I also got to play with friends, meet new people, and have fun.” —Frederick

“What I treasured most about PALS were the tutors. They had awesome personalities and made learning so enjoyable. I learned how to improve my writing skills and be more productive, and the bonds between me and my friends have strengthened. PALS has made a big impact on my academic life, and I hope the skills I learned will help me throughout high school.” —Axter “Neel, my teacher-intern, assisted me with difficult math problems. I learned about the Pythagorean Theorem, and now it is my favorite math element. In English, Alexandra Driscoll and her marvelous team of teachers taught me a great deal about examining books so I can experience them to the fullest. I also became more skilled at tennis and got to eat some scrumptious food.”—Jaylise “Friendships, interns, and being treated as an adult are the three aspects I loved the most about PALS.” —Catalina

“Thank you for picking up my friends and me every morning and for making us feel safe.

I really love the fact that at PALS, you can be you. No one will judge you for being yourself.” —Berania

“PALS helped me improve my writing and math skills. Now I am ahead of many others in my grade. In addition, I have learned plenty about my options for high school and how to apply.” —Brianna

“I learned how to love myself physically and mentally and always persevere through all the obstacles life has for me. In reading To Kill a Mockingbird, I learned that there are many people out there that judge others because of their race or culture.” —Nalleli

“I learned to be strong-minded. I wake up every day and say ‘Today is a new day’—meaning new possibilities for me to become brighter as I keep maturing. I always try to stay in a positive mood and up on my feet so I can prepare for my future.” —Kacya

“I have been taught order of operations, basic geometry, slope, and substitution variables. In English I learned how to read books closely and write detailed notes.” —Marcos

PALS eighth-graders offer advice to seventh-graders

“I was taught by charismatic and intelligent interns, some of whom are also skilled athletes.

I made new friends that are hilarious and kind, and my lack of ability to float or actually swim didn’t stop me from having the time of my life at swimming on Wednesdays.” —Ronald

“Keep trying and don’t give up.”—Frederick “Really think about your future and always act mature.” —Oleany “Be yourself and most of all have fun, because that’s what PALS is all about. And don’t forget to learn.” —Marcos

A focus of summer PALS is helping eighthgraders write their personal high school admission essay and then tailoring it to suit various school requirements. Teachers and students, like those pictured above, spend considerable time at these tasks—as well as prepping for standardized tests—in four computer rooms on the lower level of PA’s Cochran Chapel.

Demystifying Private Schools Encouragement and advice from a PA admission officer

“To be an exceptional teacher is to have the ability to transmit your knowledge and translate it in a personalized way for each individual student’s learning needs.”

—Andrea Yepez Yepez taught English during summer PALS. A 2014 graduate of Phillips Academy, she is currently a sophomore at Boston College.

During their second PALS summer, eighthgraders focus on their high school options, both public and private. “These kids are trying to figure out how to get a good start in life,” says Terrell Ivory, Phillips Academy’s assistant director of admission. To be sure the Lawrence students know about all their school choices, Ivory takes the time to talk with them about Andover, other private schools in the area, and what it’s like to attend a boarding school.

One morning in mid-July, Ivory, a 2000 graduate of Phillips Academy, arranged a campus tour with PA student guide Maddie Comer (pictured above) that included visits to George Washington Hall, Gelb Science Center, Oliver Wendell Holmes Library, and Bulfinch Hall. Later, students

gathered at his office in the Shuman Admission Center for tips on how to prepare for and what to say at a private school interview.

“These are terrific kids,” says Ivory. “They showed a great deal of enthusiasm and curiosity during the tour. And we know they are already motivated—they chose to attend a summer school program instead of just taking the summer off.” Ivory assures PALS students that they can get into—and fit into—a boarding school and should not assume otherwise.

Ivory hopes that the tour and interview tips help demystify private schools and the admission process and give these deserving young students new ideas and ambitious goals for high school.

PALS Alma Maters

Bright, ambitious young students are reaching higher Nearly 100 percent of PALS alumni graduate from high school. Well over 90 percent go on to college.

High Schools* Abbott Lawrence Academy Academy of Notre Dame Andover High School Austin Preparatory School Boston Arts Academy Central Catholic High School Dorchester High School Georgetown High School Greater Lawrence Technical School Lawrence High School Methuen High School Noble and Greenough School Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School (formerly Notre Dame High School) Phillips Academy Presentation of Mary Academy St. John’s Preparatory School

Colleges and Universities* Amherst College Anna Maria College Assumption College Bentley University Boston College Boston University Brandeis University Bridgewater State University Brown University Clark University College of St. Benedict College of the Holy Cross Dartmouth College Denison University Eckard College Emmanuel College Fairfield University Florida Institute of Technology Gordon College Johnson & Wales University (North Miami) Massachusetts College of Art Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Massachusetts Institute of Technology Merrimack College

Miami Industrial College of Arts and Science Middlesex Community College Norfolk State University Northern Essex Community College Princeton University Providence College Quinnipiac University Regis College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rivier University Saint Anselm College Salem State University Suffolk University Tufts University UMass Amherst UMass Boston UMass Dartmouth UMass Lowell Union College University of Rhode Island Wentworth Institute of Technology Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester State University Yale University •attended by PALS students since 1998

Making a long, level toss with a Frisbee takes practice! Each day, students put aside their studies to relax and have fun together—and with their teachers. Choices included sports, games, and Ultimate Frisbee, tennis, basketball, and chess instruction. On a weekly basis, time is allotted for Girl Talk, Guy Talk, Science Explorations, and swimming at the PA pool.

Our Donors We gratefully acknowledge our 2014–2015 donors, whose generous contributions once again supported 100 percent of the PALS operating budget.

Foundations

Betty Beland Greater Lawrence Summer Fund Charles E. Foisy & Florida C.A. Foisy Foundation Charles G. Pringle Foundation Cornell Family Foundation Edward S. & Winifred G. Moseley Foundation Josephine G. Russell Trust

PALS

Angelina Calobrisi, GP’00

Andrew Frishman, PA ’93

Susannah C. Parker, PA ’98

Ellinor Parnes Campbell, PA ’01

Hilary Driscoll Price, PA ’91

Bradford J. Colbert, PA ’06

Michael G. & Joann M.Furlong, P’09

Christopher H. Corbett, P’86, ’88, ’92

Elinor Cahill Georgopulo, AA ’44 Aseem S. Gupta, PA ’98

Alexandra A. Rahman, PA ’08

Laura J. Cox, PA ’88

Matthew J. Kish, PA ’99

Neil & Elizabeth W. Cullen, P’90, ’93

Michael J. Koehler, PA ’94

Kyle L. Davies, PA ’05

Thomas P. Lockerby & Kathleen J. McCrickerd

Artemas W. Stearns Trust

Michael J. & Rose Marie DiResta, P’00

Nathaniel & Elizabeth Stevens Foundation

Peter L. Drench & Anne Ferguson, P’90, ’95

Waldo Trust

John J. & Alexandra Driscoll, P’88, ’91

Individual Donors Fernando R. Alonso

Murali Aravamudan & Lakshmi Murali, P’16 Sharyn Bahn Sharon Beckwith, GP’17 Raynard D. & Janet Benvenuti, P’12 Joseph J. & Lynn M. Boyd, P’16

Patricia H. & George H. Edmonds, P’79, ’82 Mary Rose & Mariano Ezpeleta Jr., P’84, ’85, ’90 Patrick J. & Karen J. Farrell, P’08 Lawrence E. Flynn, PA ’13 Lisa M. Foster, PA ’84, P’12 Alan F. French, P’77, ’82

*This list reflects gifts received from July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015.

180 Main Street Andover, Mass. 01810-4161 978-749-4000 www.andover.edu/pals

PALS Director: Greg Wilkin PALS Master Teachers: Alix Driscoll, Celeste McGraw, Shailene Nuñez, and Corinna Torabi

Durgesh A. Kudchadkar, PA ’94

Eleanor Coneeney Lyons, P’78, ’81, ’83, ’89, GP’11, ’14 Henry W. Manice, PA ’05 Anne Marino Kevin J. McGravey, PA ’04 Carol MacDonald Miller & Paul A. Miller, P’86 L. Nneka Mobbisson-Etuk, PA ’92 Josefina Morales & Richard Muñoz, P’18 John G. Palfrey & Catherine A. Carter

Daniel S. Rabinovitz, PA ’97 Daniel & Elizabeth Reardon Conrad P. & Joan M. Roberge Mary E. Schiavoni, PA ’69 Natalie G. Schorr, AA ’62, P’95, ’99 Robert & Betty Smallridge Deborah L. Stahl-Hannam, PA ’80, P’17 Jennifer Yoon Sunoo, PA ’95 Jesenia Tejada Sylvia L. Thayer, AA ’54 & Philip Zaeder, P’79, ’83, GP’17, ’18 Michael & Susan Tucker Joseph B. Wennik, PA ’52, P’82, ’86, ’88 Jeff C. Woodhead, PA ’84

Gifts in Kind Depot Pizza

PA = Phillips Academy P = Phillips Academy Parent GP = Phillips Academy Grandparent AA = Abbot Academy

Please support PALS! You will help deserving Lawrence youngsters by nurturing and strengthening their aspirations for high school, college, and beyond. Visit www.andover.edu/palsgiving to make a gift today.