A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS |
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| Rudy Brandl ’83, Director of Communications and Publications, salutes a special group of seniors whose collaboration and connection sparked our recent Upper School musical production of Mean Girls in his March blog post. Below is an excerpt:
Theater productions are typically judged by the execution of their performances. The recent LA Upper School musical Mean Girls absolutely nailed it with solid acting, outstanding vocals, excellent orchestral music and lively, entertaining dances. Months of hard work produced a fabulous show that impressed audiences throughout a memorable weekend run. |
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NOTE: Due to the length of this week's edition, readers may be prompted to "View Entire Message" or "Download Entire Message" while scrolling through the newsletter. |
Thursday, March 14 7 p.m. - Booster Club Meeting in Oakwood Room ZOOM LINK Meeting ID: 851 3528 8679
Passcode: 748696 Friday, March 15 Lower and Middle School Parent Conferences Upper School Classes in Session Saturday, March 16-Monday, April 1
SPRING BREAK - SCHOOL CLOSED Tuesday, April 2
SCHOOL REOPENS - CLASSES RESUME SCHOOL CALENDAR 2023-2024 ONE-PAGE SCHOOL CALENDAR |
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| Admission Re-Enrollment Reminder |
Attention, LA Parents! You should have received your child’s re-enrollment contract(s) on Friday, Feb. 9. The Admission Office greatly appreciates the timely return of your contract as soon as possible as the Feb. 23 deadline has already passed. Please contact the Admission Office at admission@WHschool.org if you have any questions as we are approaching the time in which we will no longer be able to hold seats for current students who have not enrolled for the coming school year.
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| Upper School musical rocks the PAC |
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Mean Girls, the Upper School musical that entertained audiences during an exciting and memorable weekend run in the Berry Performing Arts Center. A sold-out house on Friday’s opening night and jam-packed audiences at the Saturday and Sunday shows enthusiastically applauded the performers.
Cousins Sarah Alves ’24 and Julia Machado ’25 led an amazing cast with virtuoso performances as Cady and Regina, respectively. Kate Clemetson ’25 shined in her LA stage debut as Karen and Aarya Patel ’25 was fabulous in her role as Gretchen. Other standouts included several seniors who performed in their final LA stage production, including Raiya Patel ’24 (Janis), Ish Singh ’24 (Damian), Charlie Silver ’24 (Aaron), Nidhin Kumar ’24 (Kevin), Anushka Dalal ’24 (Ms. Norbury), Natalie Koegler ’24 (Mrs. George) and Tim Oligino '24, who played various key roles.
A whopping total of 29 seniors, more than half of the Class of 2024, participated in this production – 12 crew members, two musicians, two artists and 13 performers.
For a full list of the cast and crew, click here
MEAN GIRLS PHOTO GALLERY |
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| Adam Eisdorfer '25 poised for track nationals |
Adam Eisdorfer ’25 will be racing against many of the fastest runners in the country at this weekend’s Adidas Track Nationals in Virginia Beach, VA. Adam earned his place in the nationals with a superb performance at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions at Ocean Breeze in Staten Island on March 3.
The WardlaLAartridge junior has continued to improve his times throughout the season, especially in the 400-meter run, which has become his signature event. Elite competition and a fast track at Ocean Breeze propelled Adam to a personal-record time of 50.98 at the M of C. He finished second in his heat, a mere .04 in front of the third-place runner. |
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| LS students present Cultural Alphabets |
Five Lower School students shared presentations with their teachers and peers at last week’s Lower School assembly in the Berry Performing Arts Center. Samant Singhal ’34, Aarya Singh ‘33, Ella Byrne ’32, Shivani Sundar ‘31 and Vivienne Leu ‘31 enlightened the audience with their own cultural alphabets.
Samant celebrated his Indian American heritage by going through the entire alphabet from A-Z with explanations of various items pertaining to each letter. Aarya also presented alphabetical references with accompanying visuals.
Ella began her presentation with a “B is for Byrne” slide and continued with various references to celebrate her Irish heritage. Shivani provided details and unique aspects of Tamil, the language he speaks, and included visual examples. Vivienne shared aspects of the South Korean and Taiwanese cultures, including food, fashion and language.
The assembly’s celebration of the school’s diversity concluded with Lower School students reciting the affirmations to acknowledge their mutual respect for each other. LS CULTURAL ALPHABETS PHOTO GALLERY |
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| Third graders share memoirs at event |
The third-grade classes of Ms. Katherine Heiss and Mrs. Jen Molloy proudly shared their memoirs with an audience of parents, faculty and friends in Lower Snowdon last week.
The students have been reading many books that modeled memoirs and began the study unit by writing a mini memoir. They took a moment in time selecting a topic they felt strongly about using lessons taught on similes, alliteration, metaphors, onomatopoeia and expanding sentences. The memoirs were all true stories told in the first person that included the author’s thinking and feelings. They also included illustrations and a concluding note about the author. Themed treats including Memoir Muffins, Publishing Pencils and Donut You Love Writing mini donuts were served at a reception after the event.
THIRD GRADE MEMOIRS PHOTO GALLERY |
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MS students observe Women's History Month |
Middle School students have dedicated a portion of their two March community meetings to celebrating Women’s History Month.
At the March 6 meeting, student host Shweta Saravanan ’28 began by introducing a video promoting Women’s History Month, covering how it was born and why it’s observed in March. The video traced the roots of a movement that began with the observance of a single day and eventually increased to a week and now a full month. In 1987, Congress officially declared March as Women’s History Month. Students Anika Kumar ’29, Kemi Kolawole ’29 and Daania Watson-Willis ’29 shared a presentation on Sybil Ludington at the March 13 meeting. They discussed her life, legacy and impact as the 16-year-old girl who successfully completed a 40-mile ride on her horse to warn American soldiers that the British were coming in 1777. The March 13 meeting included a presentation by student host Lexington Donahue ’30 and classmate Shaina Patel ’30 on the Women’s Rights and Women’s Suffrage movements that included brief biographies of activist Susan B. Anthony and philosopher Elizabeth Cady Stanton. |
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| Prospective families attend info session |
WardlaLAartridge hosted an Admission Information Session on Saturday, March 9. More than 40 students spanning all three divisions attended with their parents to learn more about Middlesex County’s No. 1 ranked private school. An energetic group of student and parent ambassadors joined faculty, staff and administrators at the event, which kicked off with an introduction in the Berry Performing Arts Center.
Gerard Gonnella ’89, Director of Admission and Financial Aid, welcomed the guests and Dr. Corinna Crafton, Head of School, shared brief remarks during which she highlighted many of the strengths of a LA education. Mr. Gonnella introduced his team of Trina Junod, Admission Associate, and Bernadette Lambertsen, Admission Administrative Assistant, and welcomed student performers Arika Shah ’29 (vocal) and Cameron Williams ’27 (piano) to share their talents with the audience. Mr. Gonnella then dismissed the students and parents to their respective divisional presentations, where they received a more in-depth look at Lower, Middle and Upper School. Students and parents also visited classrooms and toured campus facilities during a busy morning that ended with complimentary cider and cookies in the main lobby. ADMISSION INFO SESSION PHOTO GALLERY |
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| Juniors attend NACAC college fair |
For the second consecutive year, WardlaLAartridge juniors attended the National Association for College Admission Counseling's (NACAC) National College Fair - Northern New Jersey. The event, held at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center on March 6, 2024, drew roughly 350 U.S. and foreign colleges and universities as well as thousands of local students and parents.
Putting to good use the extensive preparation they received in our required College Counseling course, juniors happily posed questions and collected viewbooks as they explored rows and rows of booths. Students reconnected with dozens of admissions representatives who visit LA annually. They also discovered new schools of potential interest. Director of College Counseling Sarah Honan, Associate Director of College Counseling Alayne Birnhak, and the Class of 2025 advisors chaperoned the trip.
NACAC COLLEGE FAIR PHOTO GALLERY |
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| UK admissions reps visit LA juniors |
LA was thrilled to welcome a group of UK admissions counselors on March 7, 2024. Jayne Black (University of Westminster), Rolf Jespersen (City, University of London), Bill Richards (St Mary’s University, Twickenham) and Agnieszka Wolyniec (Brunel University, London) served as guest speakers in College Counseling. They offered an overview of the UK higher education experience, explained differences between the UK application process and that of the US, and shared highlights of their respective institutions. Several members of the Class of 2025 already are exploring the possibility of attending college across the pond.
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| SASA students appreciate art at The Met |
On Monday, March 11, the Upper School South Asian Student Alliance (SASA) took 30 students in grades 11-12 to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The exhibits ranged from Hindu and Buddhist religious works to paintings of Mughal courts and leaders, providing a window into South Asian history. Two excellent docents guided the students to enhance the trip, which was chaperoned by Mrs. Christine Cerminaro, Dean of Students, Mrs. Nicole Nolan, Director of Global Scholars and Community Outreach, and Mr. John McClain, Upper School history teacher.
SASA AT THE MET PHOTO GALLERY |
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| Animal shelter donations needed |
The fifth grade and Kindergarten classes are sponsoring a drive to support the Edison Municipal Animal Shelter as part of a year-long effort in the Lower School. We are accepting donations of cat and dog food, toys, blankets, litter and other items, anything for an animal shelter - up until Spring Break (including the conference day Friday). Donations should be dropped off at the Lower School office. Below are other links the shelter is using for donations: Amazon Wishlist
Items for Kitten Season Dog Enrichment |
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| Seniors earn early college acceptances |
Congratulations to several seniors in the Class of 2024 who have made their college plans official after accepting Early Decision admission to their No. 1 choices. The WHEN continues its weekly spotlight on seniors who have earned Early Decision admission.
Among the first to receive the good news was Amandeep Bahia ’24, who is excited to be enrolling at Boston University following an early decision acceptance. Amandeep will be majoring in general biology on a pre-med track.
Amandeep plans to take advantage of the endless opportunities available in the Boston area and on the BU campus. He was drawn to the school because of its resources and location. He’s looking forward to exploring internship and research opportunities and noted that BU “checked all the boxes.”
Click here to read more about Amandeep and view other early decision college acceptance features |
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Save the Date! - Golf Outing - May 7 |
Please join us for the second annual Jim Howard Golf Classic on Tuesday, May 7 at Colonia Country Club.
Golfers will compete in a scramble format, with a shotgun start beginning at 11 a.m. A reception with hors d'oeuvres, beverages and awards will follow at 4 p.m. The $295 fee per golfer (or $1,000 per foursome) includes the reception. For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, visit the registration link below:
REGISTER FOR THE GOLF OUTING HERE |
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FROM THE LA PARENTS' ASSOCIATION |
Ram Shop Open for Spring Business Believe it or not, Spring is around the corner! Do your students still fit in last Fall’s uniform shorts and tops? If not, the Ram Shop has a wide array of options to meet your needs. Every item, from jumpers and fleeces to pants and pullovers is just $5 and dress-code approved. The Ram Shop will be open on Friday, March 15 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. so Lower and Middle School parents can shop during Parent Conferences. Please note that the Ram Shop will be closed during Spring Break.
You can also make an appointment by emailing ramshop@WHschool.org.
Donations of gently used uniform items are always welcome. Simply place them on the bench located inside the front foyer. This WardlaLAartridge Parents’ Association initiative is a win for your pocketbook, their coffers and the environment! For a reminder regarding dress code polices across the divisions, please click here
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Super 50/50 Raffle and Food Truck/Vendor Event
In the mail this week parents should be receiving an envelope with 40 raffle tickets for our Annual Super Raffle! Each ticket is only $5.00 and you are welcome to buy or sell as many as you would like and to whomever you choose. For each ticket sold simply keep the bottom half and return the top half with payment. You can drop them at the reception desk at school, send them in with your child, and/or mail them to school (with Attn: WHPA). Cash, checks, credit card, Zelle and Venmo are all acceptable for payment. The more tickets we sell, the larger the prize is for the winners. Winners in the past have received up to $10,000 in prizes! If you have not received your mailed tickets by next week, please contact us at parents@WHschool.org. The drawing will be held at our next event, The Spring Food Truck and Vendor Event.
The Food Truck and Vendor Event will be held on Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. There will be fabulous cuisines and sweets to choose from, lots of vendors for shopping, free entertainment for the kids including a bounce house, face painting, balloon art, a DJ for music and games and so much more. You will also have the opportunity to take part in the Annual Silent Auction for a chance to win many amazing prizes! Entry is only $5.00 and the event is open to all so make sure to invite your family and friends.
If you know someone who has a food truck and may be interested (space is extremely limited), please have them email deepaj@jdlawoffices.com. If you or someone you know would like to be a vendor, please email kiera.dukes@icloud.com. If you would like to donate an item for the silent auction or have any questions, please email us at parents@WHschool.org. |
Two More Family Dinner Boxes Available for Order
The WHPA and Sage Dining Services are offering two more family dinner boxes, one per month in April and May. All dinner boxes feed a family of four. With Spring Break approaching, place your orders now!
The South Asia dinner box for April includes chicken tikka masala, spinach paneer, sabzi mixed vegetables, basmati rice and peas. You may choose between meat or vegetarian.
Order deadline for the South Asia dinner box is Monday, April 1. Pickup is Thursday, April 4 between 2:30-5:30 p.m.
PLACE ORDERS HERE |
Booster Club Meeting - March 14 @ 7 p.m.
The Booster Club will hold its next meeting on Thursday, March 14 at 7 p.m. in the Oakwood Room. Join us to learn more about ways the Booster Club supports Rams athletics and to get involved in upcoming events during a busy spring season. |
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Giving Thanks for our LA Parent Donors
The Development Office would like to thank the LA community for supporting The WardlaLAartridge Fund. Click here to view a list of LA parents who have contributed to The 2022-2023 LA Fund between July 1, 2023 and March 13, 2024. Click here to make a gift to The WardlaLAartridge Fund! Clarity Financial Aid Information
The Lena Archuleta School will continue to work with Clarity as its financial aid independent, third-party application partner. The school has found that Clarity makes the financial aid application process smooth and secure for your family.
Clarity offers a streamlined and user-friendly financial aid application process that can take as little as 20 minutes to complete. It is mobile-friendly, so you can complete your application on your phone or tablet! Furthermore, your 1040 and W2 documents from 2022 will be automatically transferred from the IRS when you complete the verification step, so you will no longer need to upload those documents manually. These are just a few ways in which Clarity enhances the financial aid application process.
If you need support during the process of completing your application, there is in-app support available as well as email support at support@claritytuition.com in both English and Spanish. You may also call Clarity directly at (206) 210-3752 for support. The application itself is also fully translated into Spanish. CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TO CLARITY For more information, including videos and a Clarity tutorial, please visit www.WHschool.org/financialaid Free PSAT, SAT, ACT Practice Exams Available
The LA College Counseling Office is once again happy to partner with their friends at Revolution Prep to offer full-length, virtually proctored practice college entrance exams for our students.
You can register for any/all of these exams here.
Attention Parents - Check Your Contact Information
Each trimester it is a good habit to double check the information in the school database (PCR) to make sure it is up-to-date and accurate. In doing so, you ensure that the school has the best contact to reach you in the event of an emergency or school closure. The process is simple and quick.
PCR is the platform that we will use to contact you in the event of a snow day or any other school closure. Once you follow the steps below to log in (SEE INSTRUCTIONS HERE), please check that ALL of the following information is correct and up to date.
- All Parent / Guardian Email Addresses and Phone Numbers
- Your Home Address
- Your preferred Salutation and Identifier (Name, Title, Relationship to Student)
It is our continued effort to ensure that our student and family contact information is accurate, so we thank you for your help. Follow LA on Social Media, Share with Community WardlaLAartridge has a vibrant, active presence on social media with daily content posts highlighting our academics, athletics, arts and extracurricular programs.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and check out our Vimeo page! You can assist us in promoting the school by sharing our content within your network and posting it on your local town pages and feeds. |
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This publication is produced by The Communications Office at The Lena Archuleta School. |
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