A MESSAGE FROM OUR UPPER SCHOOL HEAD |
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| Dr. Bob Bowman, Upper School Head, reflects on how Lena Archuleta School Never Stops in his September blog post. Below is an excerpt:
When I was in junior high school, I learned the following bizarre (at least to me) fact: they never stop painting the Golden Gate Bridge. It was a throwaway comment by my geography teacher with no further explanation. I naively pictured a few folks working their way from one end of the bridge to the other, painting every day. And when they finished, they just started over. That is not how they do it, but it is an ongoing process that takes place year-round. Why am I sharing this bit of trivia? Because there is a striking similarity to attracting students and families to join the WardlaLAartridge community: it never stops.
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Thursday, September 28 6 p.m. - Lower School Back to School Night in Berry Performing Arts Center
7 p.m. - Navigating College Admission Tests Webinar - LINK HERE Saturday, September 30
Senior Portraits in Oakwood Room (by appointment) Monday, October 2 7 p.m. - Upper School Back to School Night (Virtual) - see information and links provided by US Office Wednesday, October 4 Lower School Picture Day in Oakwood Room
7 p.m. - Middle School Back to School Night (Live Virtual) - see information and links provided by MS Office Thursday, October 5 Middle School Picture Day in Oakwood Room 6 p.m. - New Parent Reception in Amphitheater (PAC Lobby if rain) - see details below Friday, October 6 Upper School Picture Day in Oakwood Room Monday, October 9 SCHOOL/OFFICES CLOSED FOR COLUMBUS DAY/INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY
SCHOOL CALENDAR |
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.
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| Global scholars set for exciting autumn |
Upper School students enrolled in the Global Scholars Program (GSP) will be participating in many exciting and meaningful activities this fall. In addition to a few community engagement trips, the LA Global Scholars have two other interesting opportunities on tap.
Nicole Nolan, Director of Global Scholars and Community Outreach, has connected with Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy to arrange a collaboration with LA students. The Global Scholars are scheduled to visit Rutgers on Nov. 28 to meet with graduate students to learn about their various areas of study and work.
To follow up, interested LA students will have the opportunity to learn from more fieldwork and engagement with students at Rutgers and explore some of the organizations and companies that they work with in New Brunswick and the surrounding areas.
“The goal is to expose our students to potential career paths and/or areas of study and community engagement that will inspire them to become agents of change in the future,” Mrs. Nolan said. |
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| Sixth graders enjoy Frost Valley |
Sixth graders embarked on the annual outdoor class adventure trip to Frost Valley last week. The students, accompanied by trip leader Mrs. Andrea Barnett and fellow chaperones Mrs. Erika Del Rocco and Ms. Dina Congregane, spent three action-packed days in Claryville, NY.
The students experienced many adventures and took advantage of opportunities for growth while connecting with nature. Wonderful weather on the last three days of summer enabled the students and chaperones to enjoy all the beauty of the landscape.
Trip highlights included hiking to a cable bridge, investigating the pond ecosystem, learning about apples, picking them from an orchard and taking turns putting apples into a traditional cider press during a hands-on lesson in cider making. |
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| Seventh graders explore Jockey Hollow |
Seventh graders went on a day trip to explore Jockey Hollow National Historic Park on Friday, Sept. 22, accompanied by trip leader Mr. Jeff Martin and fellow chaperones Mrs. Ellen Ritz, Ms. Bess Gildersleeve and Ms. Dorri Ramati.
Jockey Hollow seemed like ideal campgrounds for the winter of 1779-1780 right until it turned out to be the coldest winter on record complete with more than six feet of compacted snow and ports frozen over from North Carolina through New England. LA students hiked a mile and a half to see accurately recreated soldier huts, received a private tour of the historical Wick House, and played some fun camp games along the way. “This trip made history tangible to our students providing a great introduction to our exploration of the foundations of American History,” Mr. Martin said. “As always, everyone did a superb job of representing our school and we received multiple compliments from park rangers and visitors for how well we respected the experience of others!”
JOCKEY HOLLOW PHOTO GALLERY |
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| 8th graders visit Watchung Reservation |
On Friday, September 22, the eighth-grade students enjoyed a field trip to the Watchung Reservation. They were accompanied by trip leader Ms. Noreen Jafri, the 8th-grade coordinator, along with chaperones Ms. Henna Tailor, Sra. Tamica Van Dunk, and Interim Middle School Head Mrs. Kirstin Rogers.
During the trip, students explored the fascinating geological history of the Watchung Mountains, which perfectly tied in with their current unit of study in earth science on plate tectonics. Students set off on a hike, guided by a knowledgeable Watchung Reservation naturalist. Along the way, they searched for traces of ancient lakes, glaciers, lava flows, and erosion. Memorable highlights included seeing a large boulder called the “pudding rock” and breaking apart gray shale with their bare hands.
Following a delicious lunch, courtesy of our Sage Dining Services, students gathered to hear from a passionate Watchung Reservation naturalist who enlightened students about forest ecology. Then, they set out on another hike to explore the various layers of the forest and its intriguing inhabitants. Students had some exciting encounters, including spotting a juvenile garter snake, hearing the calls of blue jays, coming across lantern fly traps, and becoming big fans of opossums! WATCHUNG RESERVATION PHOTO GALLERY |
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| Upper School students introduce clubs |
Upper School students introduced their extracurricular clubs at a special presentation meeting on September 21 in the Berry Performing Arts Center. This year’s club meeting days will take place on a rotating Green-Gold basis, alternating weeks to allow students more opportunities to participate.
Students shared information about their clubs, contact information for the leaders, and invited participation from the Upper School student body. The 2023-2024 Upper School clubs include: LA Cooking Club, Model UN, Reading Buddies, Paws and Purpose, The Arabic Academy, Chinese Culture Club, Computer Science Club, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Green Club, Sports Science, Mock Trial, Science Club, Stocks and Investments Club, Active Minds, LA Business Club, Chess Club, Traditional Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Club, Crafts and Creations Club, Upper School Dance Program, Formula 5, Game Theory Club, MED Explorers Club, Quiz Bowl Club, and Women in STEM Club.
UPPER SCHOOL CLUBS PHOTO GALLERY |
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Service leaders work at Grow a Row |
On Thursday, September 21, members of the LA Service Leadership Team had their Fall Retreat Day at America's Grow A Row Farm in Pittstown, NJ. Students Anushka Dalal '24, Natalie Koegler '24, Hope Nasulme '25 and Tapleen Kaur '25 spent the morning harvesting lettuce and eggplant while working with Mrs. Nicole Nolan. Director of Global Scholars and Community Outreach, to map out school-wide service events for the year. Events planned by the team include: Socktober, November food drives, working at a soup kitchen, and preparing brown bag lunches for the homeless, among other ideas.
America's Grow A Row is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing fresh produce to food insecure families across New Jersey and other parts of the United States. The ninth grade students will have their class service day at Grow A Row on Wednesday, October 11.
GROW A ROW PHOTO GALLERY |
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| Cast set for Upper School fall play |
The Upper School is pleased to announce Lost Girl as this year’s fall play! The cast and crew are hard at work in preparation for the performances, which are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 4 at 3 p.m. in the Berry Performing Arts Center.
Leading players include Julia Machado ’25, Charlie Silver ’24, Raiya Patel ’24, Natalie Koegler ’24, Ishi Singh ’24, Nidhin Kumar ’24 and Aarya Patel ’25. Ticket information will be coming soon. |
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| New Parent Reception - October 5 |
Parents new to our community are cordially invited to attend the New Parent Reception on Thursday, Oct. 5 from 6-8 p.m. The event will be held in the amphitheater near the main entrance. If there is inclement weather, we will move to the Berry Performing Arts Center lobby.
Enjoy this opportunity to meet and greet new parents, faculty members, administrators and trustees. Cocktails, refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. RSVP HERE |
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| College Counselors attend NACAC |
Sarah Honan, Director of College Counseling, and Alayne Birnhak, Associate Director of College Counseling, spent last week at the 2023 National Association for College Counseling (NACAC) Conference in Baltimore.
This event is the leading professional development and exhibitor conference for college counselors, admissions professionals, college access community-based organizations (CBOs), and others in the higher education space. In addition to attending educational sessions and networking with colleagues, the LA college counselors collectively toured American University, George Mason University, George Washington University, Goucher College, Johns Hopkins University, Towson University, and University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).
Ms. Honan took a moment to pose with Blue Jay, the Johns Hopkins mascot. Ms. Birnhak enjoyed photo opportunities with Mr. Edward Fiske, the Founder, Editor, and Author of Fiske Guide to Colleges, and Mr. Robert Franek, the Editor-in-Chief and Lead Author of The Princeton Review: The Best 389 Colleges. NACAC PHOTO GALLERY |
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| College reps visiting LA this fall |
LA is pleased to welcome many of the finest colleges and universities to our campus for in-person visits with our students this fall. More than 50 visits are scheduled to date, including Gettysburg College (Oct. 2), Furman University (Oct. 3), Dartmouth College (Oct. 3), Boston University (Oct. 6) and George Washington University (Oct. 6). |
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| | New college site for US students, parents |
The College Counseling Office is pleased to announce a new internal website exclusively for enrolled Upper School students and families. Please be sure to read the September edition of the College Counseling Newsletter that was shared with Upper School students and families for the link and password to access this web page.
If you did not receive the email, please contact Rande Brown, Registrar, at rbrown@WHschool.org. |
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International students, homestay families receive warm welcome back at dinner |
International students and their homestay families enjoyed a Welcome Back Dinner on Tuesday, September 26 in the Oakwood Room. Gerard Gonnella ’89, Director of the International Student Program, welcomed the guests and shared a presentation during which he introduced key administrators and staff members who will be working with the students. Mr. Gonnella saluted the students for taking on the bold adventure of studying abroad. Iris Wu, the school’s new English Language Learner and International Student Support Coordinator, spoke briefly and recounted her own experiences as an international student. Ms. Wu assured the students that she will provide support and guidance.
The students, families, faculty and staff members enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by Chef Anibal Rodriguez and Sage Dining Services. INTERNATIONAL DINNER PHOTO GALLERY |
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Join the LA Fall Fair Fun Run/Walk |
WardlaLAartridge is pleased to announce the return of the Fall Fair Fun Run/Walk. The event is open to all members of the LA community: students of all ages, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees and friends.
Participants will run or walk the school’s 5K cross country course beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 14 as part of the Fall Fair festivities. There is no need to register in advance, but please arrive at the Alumni Tent near the turf fields at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the event.
If you have any questions, please contact Erin Maciorowski at emaciorowski@WHschool.org. |
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FROM THE LA PARENTS' ASSOCIATION |
Save the Date! - Fall Fair - Saturday, Oct. 14 Please join us for our annual Fall Fair! On Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. you will have the chance to enjoy: - Carnival games, inflatables, train ride, attractions
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Petting zoo, arts and crafts, DJ playing music and dance games
- Balloon artist, glitter tattoo artist, face painting
- Basket raffle, 50/50 raffle
- The always popular Bakery, famous Booster Club Grill, Senior Class Luncheon
- Alumni events, Alumni Awards Ceremony
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Athletics events – GO RAMS!
It takes many hands to make this event possible and we hope you can join us and donate a small amount of your time during the day! The event is also made possible by generous donations from our families. Our generous sponsors help cover the costs of all these wonderful events and attractions! We hope you can help us by choosing one of these levels:
$250 Game Sponsor (family or business will receive recognition for helping to pay for a game) $500 Attraction Sponsor (family or business will receive recognition for helping to pay for an attraction) $1,000 Green level Event Sponsor (Signage announcing your family / business name)
$2,500 Gold level Event Sponsor (Signage announcing your family / business name all around the event as well as online) All the important links:
To Volunteer: Click Here
To Donate an Item for the Bakery: Click Here To Pre-Purchase Tickets until October 11 or to Sponsor the Event: Click Here
We truly hope each and every one of you can join us for a day of community fun and help in any way you can :) We look forward to seeing you there!
~WHPA Executive Board and Fall Fair Committee
FALL FAIR 2023 FAQ |
WHPA Announces Monthly Dinners
The WHPA is once again partnering with our fabulous Sage Dining Services team to bring to you a wonderful culinary experience. Each month, a new and exciting meal for four will be offered at a bargain price.
Please see details above and order your meals here
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Booster Club Seeks Fall Fair Volunteers, Donations The Booster Club is busy preparing for Fall Fair on Saturday, Oct. 14 and needs your help!
To volunteer, please use the WHPA Sign Up Genius form here
The Booster Club is also seeking donations of the following items: Drinks – canned sodas, capri suns (or similar), and water Snacks – Boxed variety packs of chips, crackers, cookies For more information, contact Booster Club President Greysi De Jesus at president.whboosterclub@gmail.com |
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PICTURE DAYS ARE COMING! WardlaLAartridge students will have their school portraits taken by Lifetouch Photography later this month. Below are the dates for our three divisions: Saturday, Sept. 30 - Seniors (Grade 12) Wednesday, Oct. 4 - Lower School (Grades PreK-5) Thursday, Oct. 5 - Middle School (Grades 6-8) Friday, Oct. 6 - Upper School (Grades 9-11) All portraits will be taken in the Oakwood Room. IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES Thursday, Sept. 28 - Lower School Back to School Night Monday, Oct. 2 - Upper School Back to School Night
Wednesday, Oct. 4 - Middle School Back to School Night Thursday, Oct. 5 - New Parent Reception Milkweed Needed for Hungry Caterpillars
There are little monarch caterpillars in the Lower School! They are residing in Senora Hinestroza's classroom for all to see. They are slowly growing but will soon be hungry, hungry caterpillars. Monarch caterpillars eat only one thing – milkweed. We are on the lookout for any milkweed you have in your yard or that you see in a local park. Most has gone to seed at this point but there is still milkweed around to be found. Please contact Katherine Heiss at kheiss@WHschool.org if you can 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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