Lovett Lines November 2012

Lovett

Lovett Lines page 1

November 2012 Volume 31 Number 3

A news publication of The Lovett School

Admission Information for the 2013–14 School Year The Admission Office is gearing up for the 2013–14 admission season. In an effort to support Lovett’s practice of environmental stewardship, the Admission Office encourages families to submit applications electronically.

Interested families may apply online at <www.lovett.org/admission>.

Expansion grades for 2013–14 are Kindergarten (80 openings), Grade 5 (20 openings), Grade 6 (40 openings), and Grade 9 (20 openings). New students will be admitted in other grades as space becomes available.

Have a child applying to Lovett?

Lower School Garden

Please join us for our Open Houses on Sunday, November 11: Kindergarten–Grade 5: Program begins promptly at 1:00 pm Grades 6–12: Program begins promptly at 3:30 pm All programs last approximately two hours and begin in the Hendrix-Chenault Theater.

For more information, call (404) 262-3032, ext. 1244, or visit <www.lovett.org/admission>.

Student Billing Goes Green

Want to learn more about Financial Aid?

As Lovett moves towards a more sustainable

Lovett awards close to $2.6 million in financial aid each year to students from all grade levels. All financial aid

environment, effective November 1, all student bills are

awards are based on a family’s demonstrated need.

only distributed online and are not mailed, with the

If you would like to learn more, please visit the Financial Aid page of our website or contact the Admission Office.

exception of the first and second tuition payments— due July 1 and November 1—which are both mailed

Roaring for Success—Lovett Auction

and posted electronically. Families currently receiving

Saturday, February 23, 2013

multiple copies for distribution to third parties will

Our LPA auction, Roaring for Success, will be held at the Buckhead Theatre on Saturday, February

continue to do so via paper statements. Please review

23, 2013. Held every three years, the LPA auction raises money for every aspect of The Lovett

your statement online (the first week of every month) for

School and contributes to the many successes of our students, faculty, and staff.

all incidental charges. If you have any questions, please

How can you help to ensure these successes continue? Visit <www.lovett.org/auction> to see

contact Shonda McGee at smcgee@lovett.org, or

how you can participate. Patron, sponsor, and donation forms are all online.

(404) 262-3032, ext. 1253.

Become a patron. Patrons help offset the costs incurred before our event. There are three patron levels and they

Notes from the Infirmary

include tickets to the event and valet parking.

It’s Almost Flu Season

Be a corporate sponsor. Have the name of your business on our invitation, website, matrix boards, and bidding

The flu is raising its ugly head. Please make sure you

device.

and your family have a flu vaccine this year. All ages

Donate an item. Do you have an “in” with some sports tickets, a jewelry store, or a landscape service?

are encouraged to take the vaccine. Please also continue

Do you have a mountain or beach house you’d like to share for a week? We will be collecting all sorts of auction

with good hand washing in your daily routine. Cough

items through this fall.

into your elbow to keep your hands free of contaminates

Give your time. We’re always looking for volunteers! Contact Cindy Price at cindyloup@bellsouth.net or

from coughing or sneezing. As always, if your child

(404) 863-1234, or Marlyn Chapman at marlynfish@aol.com or (404) 683-0724, and find out how you can help.

has a fever over 100 degrees, they must stay home until

Come! Invitations will be mailed in January. This is an event you will not want to miss!

fever free for 24 hours without the aid of medicine, such as Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, or Aleve. We appreciate your

One of the auction highlights is our raffle to win a free year of tuition. Tickets are $50 each or three for $100 and are

help in keeping our community healthy. If you have

available on the website.

questions as to whether your student is too sick for school, visit the Infirmary page on the Lovett website to

Update: The 2012 Westminster-Lovett Annual Fund Challenge

view the article “Is Your Child Too Sick for School,” from

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you have heard a lot about the Westminster-Lovett Annual Fund

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Challenge. Due to the printing deadline of the November issue of the Lovett Lines, we are unable to report the winners in this issue, but you may view the results of the challenge at <www.whowillroartheloudest.org>.

Blood Drive Comes Again

Though this challenge concluded on November 2, the True Blue Annual Fund presses on through the

Lovett will once again host a blood drive for our

remainder of the school year and will close on June 30, 2013. True Blue is essential to the educational and fiscal

community. Any and everyone is welcome to come. The

strength of Lovett. Therefore, it is critical to meet our goal of $2,050,000. Thank you to the many parents, alumni,

date is Thursday, January 24, from 11:00 am–4:00 pm in

and other friends who have already committed to True Blue, the school’s most important fundraising effort. If you

the Middle School Multipurpose Room. Please save the

have not made a pledge or gift, please consider making one today at <www.lovett.org/give>.

date and donate the gift of life to others.

Winter Coat and Clothing Drive

Grandparent/Special Friend Day is Coming Up Kindergarten and Grade 5 students will welcome their grandparents and special friends on Monday, November 19.

The wrestling program is sponsoring a winter coat

Grade 5 will host from 9:00–11:00 am. Kindergarten will host from 11:30 am–1:30 pm. Grade 8 students will welcome

and clothing drive during the ranking tournament

their grandparents and special friends on Tuesday, November 20, from 9:00–10:30 am. Mark your calendars!

on Wednesday, November 14, at 5:00 pm. Families are encouraged to bring in gently used winter clothing (especially coats) for men, women, and children. All sizes are needed! Clothing will be donated to the Atlanta Mission and Gateway Shelter.

Headmaster’s Message

T I page 2 Lovett Lines

Headmaster’s Message Reactions to Elie Wiesel’s Night

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The Civil War and the Forging of Character War and the Forging of Character, a four-year speaker series marking the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. Over the course of the next several years, we shall bring to Lovett, in cooperation with the Atlanta History Center, a number of

Campus Store

speakers who will share with our students—as well as with our faculty, staff, parents, friends, and alumni—a variety

consciences.

Several days ago, I was reading essays written by my “People of the Book” students about Night, Elie Wiesel’s

Did you know that all profits raised in the Campus Dr. Edcamps Ayers,through President the University of Richmond, former Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the heart-wrenching narrative about the horrors of the Nazi concentration hisofeyes, as a 14-year-old.

He Store go directly back to the school? This is a great Virginia, noted and Civil War historian will deliver the first lecture in this series on was the same age as my students. In this assignment, I askedUniversity students toofwrite aboutand what theySouthern saw as the two most way to give back to Lovett.

Monday, May 21, at 11:00 All am of in my the students Hendrix-Chenault moving scenes in Night as reflected in Elie Wiesel’s own observations and comments. wrote withTheater. He will have been here the previous day to serve as ouringraduation speaker journey at Lovett’s great power and insight about what touched them most deeply Elie’s death-filled and51st thecommencement daily struggle exercises. The title of Dr. Ayers’ May 21 lecture is “Where We hope you’ll consider us for your holiday shopDid Freedom Come this talk, he will describe the hard choices that had to be made by a number of people waged by him and his father to survive. One student cited Wiesel’s reaction to hisFrom?” father’sIndeath and captured in ping this year. We have a large assortment of gifts during the father’s Civil War. I hopeAs asshe many members of the Lovett community as possible will join us for Dr. Ayers’ profound prose the son’s sense of helplessness, pain, and guilt over his passing. read and re-read Night, in the store and are able to special order many presentation on May and willable join to ushelp, for future programs in this series, as well. Several scholars have already she came to understand “the horror he had to go through, watching his father die,21 not being and leaving personalized gifts. Gift wrapping is also complicommitted to joining us for this series, including authors and historians Dr. Gary Gallagher, Dr. George McDaniel, Dr. him to blame himself for the death of his father.” mentary and we can ship your gifts anywhere in Varon, Dr.engage David Blight, As I hear our students speak and as I read their writing,Ted I amDelaney, inspiredDr. byElizabeth how seriously they in theirThomas Cartwright, Dr. Steven Davis, and Dr. Wiley Sword, and the country. singer Bobby Horton.

For additional please visit our website at <www.lovett.org/civilwar>. classes and the important ideas and principles and people being considered.

I am also inspired byinformation, their gifts for Giventhe theenduring significant military that took place at and near Lovett in the spring and summer of 1864, articulating thoughtful, informed, and penetrating perspectives about issues andengagements challenges presented Now is the time to get added to our email list. We the my importance of the Battle of Atlanta to the ultimate disposition of the war and to the presidential election of 1864, to humankind. Indeed, our students are constantly broadening own perspective, as well as reaffirming my will be sending out information about promotions as well as the painful and formativethey effects “remorseless” struggle had on virtually every family and community confidence in them, their character, and their ability to grapple successfully with the challenges willthis doubtlessly and events throughout this holiday season. Send an of our nation, it is so fitting that we would have this series. Our gratitude is great to Alston, Bob, Jack, and Lewis face. email to qwaidelich@lovett.org (Subject: Subscribe Glenn for establishing the Glenn Character Education Speakers Fund in memory of their parents and for making this to Campus Store Emails). Once on the list, you can wonderful opportunity possible! We also thank Dr. Gordon Jones, senior military historian and curator at the Atlanta opt out at any time.

History Center, for his significant role in planning this series. .

Just Arrived

Billy Peebles | Headmaster

Counselor’s Corner Middle School Theme of the Month: Responsibility

Frasier Fir fanatics candles, soaps, sprays, and potpourri

Billy Peebles | Headmaster

New Scout bags Thanksgiving/fall-themed serving items and

Around Lovett

decor Christmas/winter-themed serving items and decor

Green Corner

Middle School took 10 seventh graders to the Power Over Prejudice Summit Georgia Tech October.

Stay tuned foratupdates on in sustainability

Looking Ahead miss our Annualthe 12 Days of Christmas event initiativesDon’t going on within Lovett community

A huge thank you to Haley Kilpatrick for speaking to our moms and daughters. Her book, The Drama Years, is available in the Campus Store.

spirit

Thanks to funds from the Jack and Anne Glenn Character Education Speakers Fund, Lovett is able to offer The Civil

of perspectives on how the monumental events of the Civil War forged our collective and individual characters and I am reminded every day of why I am so fortunate to be at Lovett.

Around Lovett

The

Senior Projects and Local Sustainability Efforts

Monday, December 3–Tuesday, December 18.

Each day we will highlight a specific category of

Upper School

merchandise items will be discounted In addition to a very busy Earth Week here at Lovett, other students are findingand ways to be involved in local 10–15 percent that day only. hands The category of the day sustainability efforts. Seniors George Spencer, Camille Kapaun, and Katiefor Bazzel got their dirty, working for

Student Programs

local organizations during their senior projects.

will be announced each morning via our Campus

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Store Subscriber will becoral. posted at the Grade 9: “What I Wish I Had Known,” Wednesday, November George 14—In an effort to on help freshmen embarked anthe exciting senior project at The Georgia Aquarium.

He emails studiedand tubastrea Tubastrea entrance of the store. successfully transition into the Upper School, senior PALs is will assembly focuses onIndo-Pacific, but has been an facilitate invasive an species that isthat native to the found taking over the Caribbean Sea. His project

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academics, extracurricular activities, technology, and social relationships.

In both large of and small focused on the reproduction these corals so that we might learn to control its invasive qualities.

The Campus Store is open Monday through group discussions, PALs will share personal stories and messages that focus wish they had known as that sources Camille spent on herwhat daysthey at Avalon Catering, a company local ingredients in their dishes and is

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pm, and Friday,also planned dedicated to using seasonal ingredients, which intrigued Camille.Thursday, As part of7:30 heram–4:00 senior project, Camille 7:30 pm. ingredients in their food.

Grade 12: Wednesday, November 14—A Freedom From Chemical Dependency willbringing facilitatevendors an the 2nd Annual Lovetteducator Food Fair, to campus that useam–3:30 fresh, local

freshmen.

assembly with the seniors to discuss substance use as it relatesKatie to transitioning to college. chose to work for Red Queen Tarts, a local baking company, that can be found at Atlanta-area farmer’s

Lovett

Grade 9: Thursday, November 30—Nurse Vivian will discuss the medical effects of alcohol with freshmen markets selling their items.

During herthe first week onin the job, Katie worked on various local farms, harvesting, their health classes.

weeding and planting, getting a real feel for the hard labor that is a major part of daily life on these small farms that

T.G.I.F. (Thank Goodness I’m Female): Friday, November 9—Our junior leaders have started a Big Sis/Little Sis surround Atlanta. program with ninth and tenth grade girls. They will use these To pairings to help structure fun activities learn more about George’s, Camille’s,throughout and Katie’s senior projects, check out their blogs at <wordpress.lovett. the year.

Parent Opportunities

org/seniorprojects>.

Lovett Lines newsletter nine times a year.

Lovett and the Peachtree Road Farmer’s Market

Deadline for the December 2012/January

about Lovett’s sustainability initiatives, talk to current Green Team members, watchNovember Katie Bazzel a cooking Wednesday, 7,do 2012

Grade 10 Parents: Thursday, November 15, 12:15 pm—“Substance Use: Andand thebuy Conversations Comeweekly to demonstration, some fresh Continue...” veggies for your cooking. the Student Lounge for a presentation and Q & A with an educator from a Freedom From Chemical

Lovett

Dependency to discuss the latest effective strategies in affecting attitudes and behavior towards substance use.

Green Corner

Stay tuned for updates on sustainability initiatives going on within the Lovett community!

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Grade 9 Parents: Wednesday, November 14, 8:15 am—Parent “Fact or Fiction—What Freshmen Should OnCoffee, Saturday, May 5, Lovett will beEvery represented at the Peachtree Road2013 Farmer’s Market. out and learn more issue of theCome Lovett Lines newsletter: Know,” Faculty Dining Room.

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Lovett Lines newsletter nine times a year.

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Lovett’s Green Revolution Bikes Featured on 11Alive WXIA-TV’s Donna Lowry came to Lovett to do a feature on our

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Green Revolution bikes. Lovett’s own assistant athletic directorDeadline for the Summer 2012 issue of the

Scan

Charlie Finch, physics teacher Sue Wingate, and Green Team Lovett Lines newsletter: Friday, May 11, 2012

acces

senior Luke Hart were interviewed, and Upper School principal Bill Dunkel and Upper School assistant principal Chuck MelitoJennifer Zei were filmed riding the bikes with 11Alive’s Donna Lowry. VisitEditor/Designer Who We Are>Lovett in the Press at <www.lovett.org> to see the (404) 262-3032, ext. 1265 Upper School principal Bill Dunkel, 11Alive’s story!

Donna Lowry, and Assistant Upper School jzei@lovett.org principal Chuck Melito ride the Green

offer Our printer, Bennett Graphics, estimates that printing The Lovett Lines is printed on FSC® certified paper made on Forest Stewardship Council-Certified recycled with chlorine-free pulp and post consumer content. paper is the same as using 113 less trees per year!

read

Lovett Lines

Around Lovett

Y

An NAIS Story of Excellence— And Other Tales of Lovett Innovation You’ve no doubt heard the adage, “All I ever needed to know I learned in Kindergarten.” Today, some would argue that sentence should be replaced with “All I ever need to know I can learn online.” With the advent of online, personalized tutors such as Khan Academy and free online courses from Stanford, Harvard, University of Pennsylania, and the University of Virginia (with registrants in the tens and hundreds of thousands), online learning is disrupting education in epic proportions.

At Lovett, we are experimenting with online tools and learning environments to identify where they may en-

hance the rich, face-to-face interactions our students and teachers have with one another. This approach—a “blended learning” model—combines varying degrees of online learning relative to traditional learning experiences. At one end of the spectrum, a student might use online tools to collaborate with a partner or participate in an evening tutorial session; at the other, (and this is yet to be realized here), students would have online learning experiences that replace some of the traditional “seat time” in a classroom. Along this wide spectrum, Lovett already has some wonderful early exemplars.

Last month, the National Association of Independent Schools recognized Lovett and Upper School religion teach-

er Sandra Switzer by including her work in their “NAIS Stories of Excellence: Case Studies in Exemplary Blended and Fully Online Learning.” For the past three years, Switzer and her students have transformed their classroom by creating a private, online learning network that replaces traditional homework with student-generated online conversations. Guided by a rubric that clearly details expectations, students draw connections between the topic, class, and another context, such as a current event, or their own independent research or experience. Switzer reflects on her students’ experience: Very quickly, my students develop a trust that enables them to share far more than they could have in the classroom. The risks that are necessary to create this kind of context are easier online. Students can write at their own pace, revise their comments, and consider what others have already said, and they are “safe” behind a screen where they cannot be interrupted or ridiculed.

Many students comment about that in their evaluations, thankful for the way it helps them contribute in class more comfortably. As a result, the classroom dynamic is radically affected. Students are relaxed, prepared, and eager to share. Conversation is ongoing, flowing from classroom to Ning and back to classroom very organically. Students share more, listen more attentively, and cooperate with the learning environment.

Two Middle School teachers have also experimented with private learning networks. Anna Sterne is using a Ning network with her eighth grade English students: Eighth grade English students have enthusiastically taken to the private social network as they discuss literature, most recently Gary Schmidt’s novel, Trouble. The novel presents many chances to reflect and discuss, more than we could possibly address in our brief time in class together. Online discussions, both planned and unplanned, inform our offline, face-to-face discussions in the classroom. With time to formulate their thoughts and carefully consider their responses, all students (even the quiet ones) find a way to participate, either by responding to the thoughts of others or initiating their own discussion forums. Students are also more careful as they construct their written responses. Knowing that they have a real audience means that they strive to make their written communication clear and error-free.

Eighth grade math teacher Ian Palmer is using a similar platform, but this time it provides peer-learning support of math concepts: I find Edmodo a useful tool and forum for my students. It is a means for them to communicate simultaneously with the rest of the class and me if they have any questions or concerns about class work, review work or homework. If someone is able to help before I can get on there and a discussion starts without my involvement, then that is amazing! If I need to be a part of it to first steer it in the right direction, then that is great, too. With geometry it has really taken off and the maturity of my students’ approach is phenomenal!

There are many more stories we can share of blended learning at Lovett, but in many ways our adventures in “online learning” are just beginning. We look forward to learning and sharing more with our broader community in the months ahead.

Note: Sandra’s case study and other NAIS Stories of Excellence can be found at <http://bit.ly/Q6prL0>. | Director of 21st Century Learning

Recycled Uniforms The Recycled Uniform Sales are a great way to get a bargain on all your uniform needs. We are located in the lower level of the Fuqua Center in the LPA office.

We always appreciate gently used uniform donations throughout the year. Items in high demand are senior skirts, Upper School skirts, Upper School girl chapel shirts, Middle School skirts, and ties. Donation bins are located right outside our shop, at the Lower School front steps, outside the Campus Store, and in the Middle School entrance foyer. Visit us on the first Wednesday of each month and enjoy great buys! Our sale dates for the school year are as follows; please note the extra afternoon sale time in January to accommodate student shoppers and more parents!

Wednesday Sales November 7, 8:00–10:00 am December 5, 8:00–10:00 am January 9, 8:00–10:00 am and 2:00–4:00 pm February 6, 8:00–10:00 am March 13, 8:00–10:00 am April 3, 8:00–10:00 am Final Sale May 10, 8:00 am–3:30 pm If you have any questions or would like to be on our volunteer list, please email Tracy Cross at tracyhcross@ gmail.com or Ledina Austin at ledina_austin@yahoo. com.

Library Gifts Are you looking for a unique gift for your child?

Lost and Found

Mailing Committee

Chances are that your missing sweatshirt, misplaced

We are a large group of volunteers

notebook, or lost PE shirts is in one of these closets! One

who meet, usually

is located in the Lower School, one is in the Upper School

after morning carpool, to label many of the mailed

directly across from the Campus Store, and one is in

pieces that you receive from school. Because our

the Wallace Gym hallway between the coaches’ offices.

work is so easy, it affords all the members a great

Please write your child’s name in his garments so we

opportunity to chat with old friends and make new

can contact you if an item is found. Unclaimed Lovett

ones. For families who are new to Lovett, it’s the

attire will be donated to the Recycled Uniform Sales, and

best way to meet new people and become a part of

non-Lovett attire will be donated to charity in December

the Lovett community. All members receive email

before the break.

notices about the upcoming mailings and then simply

Please contact Maureen at maureenpitfield@yahoo. com or Melindia at mgkmorgan@live.com with questions.

attend whenever they can. There is no obligation. We welcome new members at any time so if you want to join or have any questions, just send an email to Kay Jordan at kay.jordan4@gmail.com.

Do you want to honor a teacher or someone special? If so, consider donating a library book in your child’s, teacher’s, or special someone’s name. Library books can be donated to all Library divisions. If you donate a book in your child’s name in the Lower School, your child will be the firstperson to check out “their” book. Book donations can be made via the LPA volunteer form on the Lovett website. Please contact Sarah Murray (Lower School chair) or Mia Hartley (Middle/Upper Schools chair) with questions.

Altar Guild Altar Guild volunteers arrange flowers and wash acolyte robes for Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School chapels. If you would like to help, contact Nancy MacDonald at nmacd995@comcast.net.

page 4 Lovett Lines

Around Lovett Parent Participation Programs

Thank You Volunteers!

What’s the easiest way to contribute to Lovett? There are three ways for Lovett to receive contributions at no extra cost to

During these first few weeks of fall, your LPA has been

you—Publix Cards, OneCause.com, and Georgia Natural Gas TrueBlue Schools.

hard at work organizing many wonderful events and coordinating volunteers for several ongoing and yearlong endeavors. We are grateful for the commitment and

Georgia Natural Gas TrueBlue Schools

countless hours it takes to make each of these programs

Georgia Natural Gas TrueBlue Schools is a fundraising program created by Georgia Natural Gas. Existing or new

run smoothly.

GNG customers can participate. For each customer who enrolls, GNG will give Lovett $100 for the first year, then

College Day co-chairs Lisa Dobbs, Amie Herbert,

$60 per year thereafter. That may not sound like much, but if every Kindergartner’s family enrolled, Lovett would

and J. Michael Smith joined the Upper School administra-

earn over $50,000! And it’s so easy to participate. Simply go to <www.trueblueschools.com> and select Lovett as your

tion and faculty to welcome nearly 240 college representa-

school of choice or call 1-866-ONLYGNG (promotion code TBSB-1-090-000).

tives from all over the U.S. and several foreign countries to Lovett’s annual College Day in September. Their

Publix Cards

leadership of over 80 parent volunteers helped ensure a

Use the LPA Publix card when you shop and a portion of your purchase is contributed to Lovett! Put your card on your

successful day for our students and guests.

keychain as a reminder. If you do not have a LPA Publix card, they are available in each school’s front office.

Over the summer and throughout the year, Lovett Cares co-chairs Beth Tucker and Catharine Pope have coordinated meals and notes for Lovett families who have

OneCause.com

experienced serious illnesses, surgeries, or the loss of a

Do you ever shop online? If so, Lovett can earn money just by you signing up at OneCause.com and using it as your

loved one. We thank them and their wonderful commit-

jumping off point for all your online purchases. Check out the list of merchants that participate at

tee of cooks and delivery people for providing this true

< www.on- ecause.com/shop>. You’ll be amazed at how your normal purchases can benefit Lovett.

“labor of love.”

Wellons Moog and her committee have also been

It takes every parent, faculty member, and student to make a difference. We need 100 percent participation this

busy baking and delivering. Each month, they provide

year! The Lovett LPA does not endorse any merchants; we only ask that you participate in these programs if you are

delicious birthday cakes in honor of our beloved faculty

already a customer. If you have any questions please contact Leigh Eigel at leigh@eigel.com.

and staff. We are so fortunate to be a part of such a caring community of volunteers! | LPA Co-Presidents

Lower School News

S Who is My Neighbor?

Second grade Religious Studies classes begin each fall with the question, “Who is my neighbor?” The question comes from Jesus’ story most often called The Good Samaritan. Jesus frequently teaches by telling a story and asking his listeners questions. After he tells this story (in which two religious men pass by a badly wounded traveler who is finally helped by a Samaritan man, supposedly the enemy of his people), Jesus asks his listener, “Who acts as a neighbor should?” The man replies simply, “the one who showed kindness.”

We extend our study of this story’s teaching by reading several contemporary picture books that explore themes

of helping those in need. In Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen, we meet Uncle Willie, a retired man who is a regular volunteer in a soup kitchen. We follow him as he takes his nephew along to experience his day as a volunteer. After the story, I ask the children in what ways Uncle Willie is a “good neighbor” to those he meets. We make a list—he gives his time to help, he cooks, he serves, and he greets everyone by name. We talk about the importance of our names and how good it feels to be recognized by name.

As I work with young children, I am challenged to find ways to help them relate in meaningful ways to people

who may seem different because of culture, economic circumstances, or abilities. Uncle Willie reminds me how simple it can be—start by learning someone’s name and a little bit about them.

This idea is beautifully displayed on a bulletin board outside of Mrs. Ralls and Mrs. Patel’s first grade room.

The board highlights conversations their first grade students had with nine men and women of our cafeteria staff.

Interview excerpts and pictures document the experience and let us know that the first graders will always remember the names and something special about their friends in the cafeteria.

Another class project has helped second graders feel more connected with children in our larger community.

Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Livingston’s class took the CAP/City of Refuge snack collection project to a deeper level. I hope you will take time to link to the video summary of their work in the article Making Giving Visible, on the next page.

The answer to the question ”who acted like a good neighbor?” is simple… “the one who showed kindness.” It is worthy goal for all of us! | Lower School Religious Studies and Chaplain

Mark Your Calendars—Swim Lessons Start on February 19!

It’s never too early to start thinking summer! Swim Lessons at Lovett will run from February 19–March 28 (five weeks) and April 2–May 2 (five weeks). Coach Kelly Keating returns to work with swimmers of all levels, from beginners needing to get more comfortable in the water to children wanting to hone their skills before the swim team season starts. Don’t miss out! Online registration at <www.lovett.org/afternoon> opens on January 22, 2013.

QR Codes in the Lower School The Lower School has started experimenting with QR Codes, so next time you visit our building, we encourage you to take a look. Use a QR reader such as Scan, i-nigma, or QR Droid from your mobile device to scan any of the barcodes posted at locations such as the front atrium, library, the Kindergarten–Grade 1 hallway, the gallery wall near the art annex, and the bulletin board outside the technology lab. The barcodes will redirect you to audio tours of our building and video interviews with students.

Chinese Culture On September 27, Mrs. Smith’s second grade students learned how to cook vegetable stir-fried rice. They enjoyed it tremendously! And they all asked for seconds and thirds. They also made their own small Chinese number books.

In October, the Chinese Culture program introduced Chinese folk dancing to the kindergarteners. We used props, and each student got hands-on experience. Kristie Walden, Chinese art and cultural resources teacher, demonstrated the movement that goes with each prop.

Lovett Lines

Lower School News Making Giving Visible One of the beautiful aspects of inquiry-based learning is that it allows for the student to take the wheel and journey more deeply into areas of content where he or she has an interest. Last month we had an exciting opportunity to do just that. Thanks to the children’s compassion and enthusiasm for helping others, 472 children will be having an afternoon snack at Atlanta’s City of Refuge.

Lovett’s service learning is one of the many qualities that drove me, and alumna, back to Lovett, both as a parent and now a teacher. I still remember my own Vestry trip as a senior here. For years, we had been bringing in food, clothing, and cash to help others, but it was my senior year when, as the kids say, “I got it.” The location has changed; it was Cabbagetown in the 80s, and now it’s City of Refuge, but the concept is the same. Giving is sharing—not just money, not just time, but love.

Please enjoy the video our second grade class put together by using the QR Code posted above. We hope we made our giving (and learning) visible and meaningful. Thank you Upper School CAP, Martha Osborne, Will Johnston, and Kim Johnston for helping us move forward with our ideas. We are excited for a full year of meaningful giving throughout our curriculum.

Sign Up for Youth Wrestling The time has come again to join the Lovett Youth

Fifth Grade Visits Lookout Mountain

Wrestling Team! You can sign up through the

Every fall, the entire fifth grade goes to Nature’s

Afternoon Enrichment homepage at <www.lovett.org/

Classroom on Lookout Mountain. It is a hands-on,

afternoon> under Youth Wrestling. Our first practice

educational program with an emphasis on team building

is Monday, November 5, so please register before the

and experience-based learning in an outdoor setting.

first day of practice. Please contact Coach Maldonado at

Some of the classes included outdoor survival, hikes,

bmaldonado@lovett.org for more information.

ropes course, and an egg drop. The evening activity was the Undergroud Railroad simulation, followed by a campfire with s’mores.

Middle School News

N

Digital Citizenship Curriculum Going Strong in the Middle School November marks the second month that students in the Middle School will be learning

On November 12, sixth grade students will look at their second digital citizenship

about digital citizenship. In October, sixth grade students learned about communicating

unit entitled “Strong Passwords.” Students will learn the characteristics of strong

safely online, while seventh grade students explored their own digital lives. As

passwords, apply these characteristics to create new passwords, and create secure

culminating projects, sixth grade students created colorful posters about the do’s and

passwords with their family members. During this week, if you have a child in the sixth

don’ts of online communication. Seventh grade students ended their unit by creating

grade, talk to them about what they learned and have them share with you what it takes

similes about their digital lives such as “My media life is like chocolate because it’s just

to create strong passwords. Some things you should hear are listed below.

so sweet.” Posters and similes are posted throughout the Middle School building so that

Don’t use passwords that are easy to guess—people you know can easily figure

learning can be shared.

out these kinds of passwords.

We will continue to explore more topics about digital citizenship this month.

Don’t use any private identity information in your password (i.e. birthdays, social

Eighth grade students will begin their digital citizenship curriculum with the unit

security numbers). Identity thieves can use this information.

“Trillion Dollar Footprint.” What is a digital footprint? Quite simply, it is “all of the

Don’t use a word in the dictionary as a password. Hackers use programs that will

information online about a person either posted by that person or others, intentionally

try every word in the dictionary to guess passwords.

or unintentionally.” This unit will teach students that this footprint can be searched,

Do use combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols. These are harder to crack

copied, and shared, and seen by a large, invisible audience. By the end of this unit,

than regular words because there are more combinations to try.

students should feel empowered to take control of their digital footprint based on what

Do change your password regularly. A general rule of thumb is to change

they post online in the future. The other objectives of this unit include helping our

passwords at least every six months.

students recognize that people’s online information can be helpful or harmful to their reputation and having them consider their own digital footprints and what they want those footprints to be like in the future.

Parents, here are some things you can do to assist your child in protecting their digital footprint:

Also, at this age, it is important to remind young people not to share their passwords with their friends. They should only share passwords with their parents and/or caregiver.

If you have missed any previous articles about our digital citizenship series, feel

Help them think long-term. College admission teams and employers often search

free to refer to the September and October issues of the Lovett Lines or contact me at

candidate’s online activity and make decisions based on what is found.

smcfadden@lovett.org. I welcome any questions you may have.

Teach kids to keep personal information private. Addresses, phone numbers, and

Resources: Common Sense Media (www.commonsensemedia.org)

birth dates are just a few things that should never be shared by children.

Ensure privacy settings are set on social network pages. Encourage kids to think very carefully about their online relationships and make appropriate privacy setting adjustments.

Remind kids to protect their friends’ privacy. They should not pass along rumors or tag their friends in pictures without permission.

Remind kids of the Golden Rule. This is a good value to instill in children even online, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”

| Middle School Director of Academic Technology

Lovett Lines

Middle School News Middle School Students Celebrate America At the October 10 Middle School assembly, students from the sixth, sev-

Erin Dixon and B.J. Crane— Their Lovett Experience

enth, and eighth grades celebrated life in America, focusing on the themes

Our Lovett careers have been diverse, as we have both

of respect for our flag, respect for those who serve in the military, and

had the opportunity to experience Lovett from several

respect for those who have struggled to make the American Dream acces-

different perspectives including student, alum (B.J.,

sible to all Americans.

Class of 1993, and Erin, Class of 1994), teacher, and

The assembly began with a video of the Pledge of Allegiance being

administrator. Though we returned to Lovett at different

recited by sixth graders at various locations during their trip to Chat-

times, both of us experience a sense of nostalgia on a

tanooga, followed by presentations about the history of the Pledge of

daily basis. In 2008, with both of us back at Lovett, we

Allegiance by Aashil Dixit and C.C. Horlock. Their skit informed students

bumped into each other in the same room in which

about the evolution of the pledge from the time it was first conceived in

nearly 20 years earlier we had attended chemistry with

1892 by Baptist preacher Francis Bellamy to its most recent version with

one of our favorite teachers, Mr. Larry Herbert. Mr.

the words “under God” having been added during the Cold War era un-

Herbert, along with countless other wonderful Lovett

der the Eisenhower administration.

teachers, was part of our motivation and inspiration to

Michael Propp and Mia Skaggs presented their I Speak For America

return to the classroom as educators. We both feel so

projects in which seventh graders had been asked to research and write

fortunate to be able to work alongside Lovett teachers to

about monuments they had visited on their trip to Washington, D.C.

provide our students with the exceptional education and

Michael spoke eloquently about the impact of the Vietnam War Memorial,

experience we both received.

while Mia’s presentation focused on the Georgia pillar of the World War

Over the years, both as students and faculty, we have

II memorial. Both students reminded Middle School students to respect and appreciate the sacrifices made by Ameri-

had the pleasure of witnessing and experiencing Lovett’s

cans who have lost their lives in war.

commitment to developing the whole child. Because of

Eighth grade civics students Abby Fenbert, Francesca Granberry, John Staton, Thomas Sutherland, and Xander

our unique alumni perspective, we know how important

Wolle presented their American Dream project highlighting Americans’ struggles throughout the decades to achieve

it is to encourage our students to actively participate in

freedom and equality. They featured the achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Jackie Robinson, the history

the myriad of classes and activities available and to take

and symbolism of the Statue of Liberty, and the advancements made by women as represented in art.

advantage of every opportunity Lovett has to offer. For

Eighth graders Will Horlock, Quinn McCartney, and Ted Quarterman served as M.C.s of the assembly, reminding

us, those experiences, combined with the dedicated and

us of the many reasons we have for celebrating America, and cautioning us to respect each others’ ideas, especially

passionate teachers we had, shaped our outlook in life

during this presidential election year. They encouraged Middle School students to cast their votes for their favorite

and our desire to return to the Riverbank. We have one

presidential candidate at a mock election being organized by Upper School students.

answer to that old silly question of “Do you love it at Lovett?” Yes, we definitely do, and we are so happy to be back! | Middle School Dean of Faculty and Instruction/Middle School Dean of Student Life

Upper School News College Counseling Upcoming Events

National Merit Commended Students Named

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Congratulations to Lovett seniors who have been named National Merit Commended

Grade 11 Parents College Counseling Information Night Hendrix-Chenault Theater 7:00 PM

Students. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being

The college counselors will meet with all juniors later in the month to introduce

competition by taking the 2011 PSAT/NMSQT.

them to Naviance and to show them how to set up their accounts. We will go over the

recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Commended students placed among the top 4 percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2013 Lovett students recognized this year are Mitchell Fenbert, William Haycook,

extensive junior questionnaire, which we will ask them to complete for us before we

William Henegan, Carson Holdon, William Johnston, Chelsea Kim, Walt Muller,

schedule our first one-on-one conferences with them in January. This evening meeting

Alexander Panos, William Smith, Cooper Ward, Elizabeth Wesley, Alston White,

for parents of juniors is intended to offer the same information to parents, as well

Arthur Winborne, Kyler Allen, and Elizabeth Bogue.

as to detail the process through the rest of the junior and senior years. There will be plenty of time for Q & A following our presentation so be sure to come with everything college-related that you are wondering about!

This session does not take the place of the Junior College Night for parents and

National Achievement Scholarship Program Recognizes Outstanding Participants Five Lovett seniors—Taylor Brown, Darius Hollis, Kimberly McDonald, Jamila Moses,

students in January, which will be a much more general overview of the admissions

and Reid Pickett—are among the 3,100 Outstanding Participants in the National

process. Instead, it is intended to answer very specific questions you might have about

Achievement Scholarship Program being referred to U.S. colleges and universities.

Lovett’s college counseling process and all the services we offer to students and parents

These students scored in the top 3 percent of more than 160,000 Black Americans who

throughout.

requested consideration in the 2013 National Achievement Program when they took the 2011 PSAT/NMSQT.

Wednesday. November 28, 2012

Financial Aid and Scholarship Seminar for Parents Hendrix-Chenault Theater 7:00 PM Lovett will host a seminar on financial aid and scholarships for parents of Upper School students on Wednesday, November 28, at 7:00 pm in the Hendrix-Chenault Theater. Though all Upper School parents are invited to attend, this session will be particularly useful to parents of juniors and seniors. We will go over the process of applying for financial aid (the FAFSA and CSS Profile), as well as eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship in Georgia. Our guest speakers for the evening will be David Gelinas, senior associate dean and director of financial aid at Davidson College, and Darryl Watson from the Georgia Student Finance Commission.

Lovett Lines page 7

Upper School News Ninth Graders Explore Service and Community on SING

Lovett Teachers Recognized

Sixteen Lovett buses full of excited ninth graders left on September 20, prepared to spend two days serving at over

Burl Salmon and Angela Mitchell were selected to receive

40 metro area nonprofits as part of the Service Initiation for Ninth Grade (SING). Over 160 students and 32 teachers

WXIA-TV’s Class Act Award for excellence in teaching.

learned more about the city of Atlanta and the importance of giving back.

WXIA-TV (11Alive) receives more than 300 nominations

A Lovett tradition for over 15 years, SING provides ninth graders an opportunity to work with numerous com-

per year for their Class Act Awards. Only 35 teachers are

munity organizations, such as Project Open Hand, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Atlanta Mission, Salvation Army,

selected. 11Alive’s Donna Lowry presented the winners

Wonderland Gardens, Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children, Historic Oakland Cemetery, International Rescue

with awards and filmed their classes. Visit “Lovett in the

Committee, RRISA, Trees Atlanta, 24/7 Gateway Center, Medshare International, Agape Community Center, Cross-

Press” on Lovett’s website to view the videos.

roads Community Kitchen, Piedmont Park Conservancy, Atlanta Youth Academy, and many others.

Prior to and during SING, students have time for writing about and discussing their experiences. Their reflec-

Congratulations Agnes Browning! She began a very exciting program involving Lovett students with the

tions are coordinated with relevant instruction in the English curriculum through reading and writing assignments

French Consulate General. As a result, she was inter-

designed to make the service experience more meaningful.

viewed for an article that has been sent to all who receive

At the end of the trip, students were asked what part of the SING experience was most impactful; here are some of their responses:

news from the consulate. To view the article, visit <www. consulfrance-atlanta.org/spip.php?article3605>.

Seeing how little other people have and how privileged we are.

Coming face to face with the people we served.

Habitat for Humanity

Just realizing how much a little of my time could impact people in a positive way.

On September 22, five Upper School students and two

Bonding with my advisory.

teachers dedicated their Saturday to working on a Habi-

Talking to the mentally handicapped adults—it was interesting to get their point of view.

tat for Humanity build. The new home was in the first

Helping refugees with their English—it was challenging and fun.

week of a eight-week construction schedule, so the group

SING helped me figure out what type of service I want to do in the future.

of Lovett students was put to use nailing frames and

Learning the truth about homelessness.

propping up walls.

Dozens of students from Lovett, Marist, Pace, West-

Students Spend Fall Semester in Service to Others

minster, and Woodward work together each Saturday

This year, Upper School students are able to serve twice a week through AGAPE tutoring and Confronting Atlanta

in the fall. Stutz Wimmer and Jeannie Meriwhether are

Poverty (CAP). In addition to these year-long opportunities, the school’s annual Habitat build kicked off in October,

Lovett’s faculty advisors for the build.

and students work on construction for eight weekends throughout the fall.

Each week, Lovett students help Agape students with their homework after school on Tuesdays. This year, Middle School students began participating once a month. Agape serves the Bolton Road community with a variety of programs, from senior citizen programs and English as a Second Languages (ESL) classes, to summer enrichment camps and after school programs. Lovett has a strong partnership with this agency. For the past four years, Lovett’s annual Thanksgiving Service Project has benefitted Agape. Students have collected hundreds of canned goods and, through chapel offerings, raised funds to help purchase turkeys for Agape community families. In addition, Lovett’s Spanish classes are volunteering in the evenings to help Agape’s growing Hispanic community with ESL lessons for parents, and other classes are working on literacy projects with the children.

On Friday afternoons, CAP volunteers make about 100 after-school snack bags to take to The City of Refuge.

Students and teachers leave Lovett right after school on Fridays, and spend the afternoon playing with children and helping prepare and serve the evening meal.

The Student Service Board will host a Parents’ Night Out fundraiser for Lower School students on Friday, December 14. Individual students and groups/clubs can supply volunteers for the event, and will be able to “award” a portion of the proceeds to the nonprofit of their choosing. Last year, the event raised $2,700, and benefitted Siempre Verde, Habitat for Humanity, CARE, and other nonprofits.

Members of this year’s Student Service Board are seniors Kyler Allen, Preston Hill, Gayle Jenks, Julian McIntyre, Reid Pickett, Caitlin Smith, Kennedy Crenshaw (SGA liaison), Clara Easterlin, Aggie Fricke, Kaitlin Kahrs, Olivia Strader, Bryn McCarthy, and Chapman Monroe.

Help Your Student Gain Financial Independence Parents and students in Grades 10–12 are invited to join Certified Financial Planner and Lovett parent and coach David Feroleto for a special three-part series “Entitled to Financial Independence.” Parents will meet the first week to discuss how to raise fiscally responsible children, as well as the consequences of over-extending financial support to children. The second week will focus on the students, who will learn about budgeting, earning, and saving. Both parents and students will be provided with interactive exercises to prepare for the final session, which will cover real-life examples of how to manage finances.

Classes meet from 6:00–7:30 pm on January 15 (parents), January 22 (students), and January 29 (parents and students). Registration will be available online beginning December 3. Please visit <www.lovett.org/adulteducation>. Contact Cynthia Coleman at ccoleman@lovett.org or (404) 262-3032, ext. 1369, with questions.

Fine Arts News From FOTA’s President

Faculty Holiday Art Show

Another holiday season is right around the corner and we have a stellar line-up of arts events for your enjoyment.

Lovett’s Faculty Holiday Art Show and Sale will be

Students and faculty prepare all semester for these performances. We have orchestra, dance, band, and jazz concerts,

held in the Lovett Galleria from Tuesday, November 27,

as well as our much-loved lessons and carols services. Please join us as we celebrate our students, their talents, and the

through Friday, December 3, from 8:00 am–3:00 pm each

Fine Arts at Lovett. I hope you will also join us for this year’s Faculty Art Show, November 27–December 3. Come see

day.

what our art teachers are creating when they are not working with our students. You will be amazed by the beautiful

The show includes paintings, drawing, ceramics,

pottery, paintings, sculptures, and photographs. We will have a preview party for FOTA members on November

sculpture, collage, and mixed media by Upper School art

26 at the Peebles’ residence. It is not too late to join FOTA. Find our online membership form under Parents> Parent

teachers Amy Story, Karey Walter, and Tom Zwierlein;

Involvement on the Lovett website. Thanks for your support!

Middle School art teacher Katy McDougal; and Lower

| FOTA President

School art teachers Joy Patty and Katherine Schneider.

FOTA members will have early access to the sale on

Screen on the Green—Special Thanks Thank you to our three chairs for organizing a very successful Screen on the Green on September 22. Mary Jane Kirkpatrick, Mebane Pulliam, and Dorothy Walker put together an evening of fun for our Lovett families, including a screening of Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, food, face painting, and fellowship.

November 27 and 28 from 8:00–9:00 am.

Lovett page 8 Lovett Lines

November 2012 Volume 31 Number 3

A news publication of The Lovett School

INSIDE Page 1 Roaring for Success—Lovett Auction Page 2 Green Corner: Lovett’s Green Revolution Bikes Featered on 11Alive Page 3 Parent Participation Programs

The Lovett School Communications Office 4075 Paces Ferry Road, N.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30327-3009 www.lovett.org (404) 262-3032

The Lovett School admits students of any race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The Lovett School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and national or ethnic origin in administration of its employment practices, admission policies, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

Fine Arts News

Athletics News 20th Annual LionBackers Golf Tournament Below are the Golf Tournament sponors at the time of this issue’s print date.

Title Sponsor: The Murray Foundation Reception Sponsor: SunTrust Bank, John Geraghty Long Drive Sponsor: Montag & Associates, Inc., Ned Montag Long Drive Sponsor: Merrill Lynch Private Banking, Art Rollins Closest to Pin Sponsor: ZWJ Investment Council, Inc., Jeff Neville Closest to Pin Sponsor: Hathaway Development Corporation, Daniel Hathaway Hole in One Sponsor: Hennessy Automobile Companies, Joe & Susan Rich

The Boudreau Family, Tommy & Kelly

9th Annual LionBackers Ladies Tennis Tournament

Harry Norman Realtors, Inc., Kelly Boudreau

Tournament Sponsors

Evoshield, LLC, Hardie Jackson

Evoshield (Suci and Hardie Jackson)

Hole Sponsors

Almost, Maine Don’t miss the Upper School fall play in the HendrixChenault Theater.

Thursday, November 1, 7:00 pm Saturday, November 3, 7:00 pm Sunday, November 4, 2:30 pm

Film Cameras Needed The Upper School photography department is looking for donations of vintage film cameras—any size or make—and vinyl records in album cases. Please contact Karey Walter at kwalter@lovett.org or (404) 643-6550.

Lovett Visual Arts Galleria Student Art Show

Empire Distributors, Inc., David Kahn The Kahn Family, David & Jennifer

Ace Sponsors

Digestive Healthcare of Ga., Inc., Booker Dalton

Daryl R. Kimche, DDS, LLC

The Price Family, Van & Cindy

Greer Pope

Vertical AV/TV, Bill Shiverick

PODS (The Russ and McCrady Families)

Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management,

Carolyn Shiverick

Kenneth Budd

ULINE (Freddy Goldenberg)

Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods, Gregg Goldenberg

Court Sponsors

The Pope Family, Greer & Bryan

Marlyn Chapman

Interface, Inc., John Wells

Jennifer Kahn

Hawkins, Parnell, Thackston, & Young LLP,

Rae Knox

David Marshall

Molly Lynch

Ironwood Benefits Services, Mark Conner

Anne Marino

The Knox Family, John O. & Rae

Anna Paré, M.D. Dermatology

Selected artwork of Lower, Middle, and Upper School

Argonne Capital, Michael Klump

Allison Peavy

students are on display this month that include drawing,

Commodore Advisors, LLC, Todd Stratton

Tricia Sebastian

painting, mixed media, photography, and ceramics. The

JR Nichols, Inc., Kevin Jordan

Joan Smith

Lovett visual arts teachers are Joy Patty and Katherine

Brasfield & Gorrie, Dave Naeger

Stacey Triesch

Schneider in Lower School; Katy McDougal in Middle

Prestwick Development Corp, Jody Tucker

Peach of a Party

School; and Karey Walter, Amy Story, Tom Zwierlein,

JP Morgan Securities LLC, Mike Marino

UTA, Bitsy Grant Tennis Center

and Wayne Parker in Upper School.

First Citizen’s Bank, Susan Bomesil

November 6–20

Sebastian Orthodontics, Inc.

Gift Sponsor

Structor Group, Inc., Jeff Stratton

Bubba Brands, Inc.