The Marin School Update

TMS Presents an evening with John Craigie - Jan. 25th

2012-01-11T09:12:00.000-08:00

TMS Presents a live music perfrormance by a great American singer/songwriter, John Craigie, at The Marin School on January 25th at 7pm. John is one of the finest new musical talents we've heard in many years, a fascinating young man who constantly tours America in the style of Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan and Leadbelly, creating roots music that conveys the deepest soul roots of the country through its native styles of folk, bluegrass, blues and more.

Wednesday, January 25th at 7pm (doors 6.30pm)

Admission is free of charge but please RSVP to kridge@themarinschool.org

The Marin School's Simonne Berg wins first place in the Gucci Paris Masters

2011-12-08T10:04:00.000-08:00

Simonne competed in the Gucci Masters last week in Paris. With her horse, Limerick, she won first place! Watch her winning performance in this YouTube video. Simonne was the youngest of about 25 amateur riders who were invited from around the world. She trained for the event in Brussels the week before with last year’s top rider, Kevin Staut.

Fred Kral, Math Teacher at The Marin School, takes top honors in photo contest

2011-11-29T13:00:00.000-08:00

Fred walked away with the top honors at the City of Sausalito’s first annual amateur photo contest. He won Best of Show and first place in the category Scenes for Immixing; a brilliant colored photograph of kayaks. Fred also won first and second place in the Landscapes category for his photos Clairty and Stilling.

For more information read MarinScope’s article “Local teacher nabs top awards in photo contest” and visit his website at www.fredkral.com

anotherPERSPECTIVE: 2011

2011-11-09T13:02:00.000-08:00

anotherPERSPECTIVE: 2011 is a first of its kind group exhibition showcasing the art of faculty, staff, parents, and alumni of The Marin School. Artists were invited to submit up to five pieces of 2D art and low-relief wall mounted sculpture that will be displayed at the school from December 1, 2011 to January 13, 2012. Don't miss the opening reception on Thursday, December 1 from 6-8 pm.

Some of the art work will be available for purchase from the artists who will contribute part of the proceeds to The Marin School fund.

For more information, please contact Alison Egan Murray at amurray@themarinschool.org

TMS Students Give Back Through Photography

2011-11-09T12:49:00.001-08:00

TMS Photo Philanthropy students learn more than just the art of photography. They're also learning the value of community service. Each year the students, led by Marianne Owens, turn their best photos into greeting cards and sell them throughout the local community. Proceeds from the sale of cards are donated to DrawBridge, an arts program for homeless and under-served youth in Marin and the San Francisco Bay Area.

This year's donation of over $200 will go towards the purchase of art supplies for the kids in the program. DrawBridge's philosophy is "the belief that the experience of being understood and valued gives children the freedom to grow. Through art, children can release the build-up of potentially destructive emotions." DrawBridge is the only program of its kind in the Bay Area, and with help from volunteers like our TMS students, its making a difference in Marin's homeless and at-risk children's lives every day. For more information on the DrawBridge program visit http://www.drawbridge.org/.

Greeting cards are still available for purchase. For more information on purchasing cards or information on TMS' Photo Philanthropy program, contact Marianne at mowens@themarinschool.org.

Kieran Ridge at Sausalito Film Festival, Aug. 21, 4 pm

2011-08-08T12:04:00.000-07:00

Kieran Ridge, TMS English Dept. Chair, will host a screening at the Sausalito Film Festival, at Cavallo Point Resort, on Sunday, August 21 at 4 pm. The film is called Blood in the Mobile, and is a powerful investigation of how the "conflict minerals" necessary to our IT gadgets -phones, computers, cameras - are at the heart of the ongoing wars in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He'll be joined for a Q&A session by Muadi Mukenge, a powerful and well-informed speaker originally from the DR Congo; she is now working here in the US with Friends of the Congo and the Global Fund for Women.

The Congo wars have claimed nearly six million lives since the mid-1990's, drawing in all of the DR Congo's neighbors, and are perhaps the most under-reported major news story globally. Most casualties are civilians, and this screening provides a follow up to our TMS Presents event focusing on human rights in the DR Congo at UCSF a couple of years ago.

Tickets and event info:

www.sausalitofilmfestival.com/films/blood.html

YouTube Trailer

We'd love to see you there, in support of the Congolese people and our friends and neighbors at the Sausalito Film Festival.

Incoming TMS Freshman in the News

2011-08-02T10:42:00.001-07:00

Incoming freshman, Simonne Berg, was recently featured in Tiburon's "The Ark" newspaper for her winning performance at the Big Skyliner amateur horse-jumping competition at the prestigious Spruce Meadows facility in Calgary, Canada.

Among the events she won medals for were first place for a team event, a $3,000 jumping competition and a bronze medal for the overall best rider. Her horse, Limerick, was named best of the competition.

Barbara J. Brown named as next head of The Marin School

2011-07-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

The Marin School's Board of Trustees recently announced that is has hired veteran administrator Barbara J. Brown to become the school's next Head of School. She replaces Peter T. Esty, who stepped in as the interim Head of School during the search process.

Brown brings more than 30 years of academic leadership and teaching experience to TMS. She was the founding Head of School at The Oakwood School, a K-12, college-preparatory independent school in Greenville, North Carolina. Brown also served as Head of School at Oak Hill School in Eugene, Oregon, another K-12 college-preparatory school. In addition, she has worked at Menlo School in Atherton, Mid-Peninsula High School in Menlo Park, and Santa Catalina School in Monterey.

"Barbara's winning track record in building, growing, developing, and strengthening the schools under her leadership, her passion for education and her commitment to innovative, hands-on learning made her the ideal choice to lead our school as we strive to offer Bay Area families and their children the best independent school education available," said Ted West, Chair of the Board of Trustees. "Our entire community is thrilled to welcome her."

Brown earned her BA from the University of California, Santa Barbara; MA in Education from Stanford University School of Education; and a Doctorate in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has received two awards for Outstanding Teaching for her innovative techniques in the classroom. At both Stanford and Harvard she served as class marshal during commencement, and was also the commencement speaker at Harvard. She was honored this year to be asked to join the Harvard Graduate School of Education's Alumni Council, representing the West Coast.

"From the moment I set foot on the campus, I fell in love with the atmosphere because I could sense that students were allowed to be individuals," stated Brown. "There is a strong sense of community, collaboration and creativity among the TMS community. I am extremely excited about my appointment as Head of School at TMS."

TMS Jazz Band Plays Duke Ellington

2011-06-08T15:17:00.000-07:00

The Marin School Jazz Band plays Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing" at the Annual Spring Concert held on May 26, 2011.

TMS Alumni in the News!

2011-06-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

Jill Bischoff, TMS class of '04 (pictured on the left), is a counselor at Santa Susana High School in Simi Valley, Ms Ventura County 2009 and now a member of the Sugartown Rollergirls, a roller derby team based in Oxnard, CA.

Read the full article here

TMS Jazz Band Spring Concert - May 2011

2011-06-07T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Marin School Jazz Band Spring Concert was held May 26, 2011 to a standing room only crowd. One of the featured songs was "Cliffs of Dover" written by Eric Johnson. This version features Gabe Jackman on Guitar along with Justin Herbert, Guitar; Sam Klitsner, Bass; John Alba, Trumpet; Annarose Leff, Flute; Bryan Nickerson, Saxophone/Clarinet; Jacob Solomon, Drums; and Luca Tedesco on Piano. The Jazz Band is led by Jimmy Sage. A CD of the concert will be available soon. For more information contact ehawley@themarinschool.org

The Marin School Annual Festival of the Arts was enjoyed by all!

2011-06-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

The TMS community gathered at the school on May 26th for the Annual Festival of the Arts. On display were the students' work; ranging from clothing design, art, photography and film. The evening ended with the TMS Jazz Band concert - standing room only!

See more photos here

Interview with Mojo Nixon

2011-06-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

Students in Matt O'Donnell's History of Rock 'n Roll class along with several members of the faculty participated in an interview with musician/actor/DJ Mojo Nixon via Skype today. You can watch the very funny and entertaining interview below.

MOJO NIXON Interview from The Marin School on Vimeo.

The Marin School Students Win Honors at the Annual Marin High School Art Show

2011-06-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

The 20th Annual Marin High School Art show, "Rising Stars", held May 8 - May 28, 2011 at the Marin Art & Garden Center Gallery in Ross, featured art work from 14 high schools, public and private, throughout the county.

Eleven works of art and photography created by TMS students were exhibited. Two TMS 11th grade students, Abby Smith ( 2nd photo from left) and Mandy Linares (1st photo from left), received Honorable Mention for their work.

Creative Writing Workshop for Teens

2011-05-24T10:26:00.001-07:00

Visual Literacy & Creative Writing Workshop

Ever wondered how graphic novelists capture readers' attention with so few words? Looking for a way to better use your creative writing to capture powerful images? This fun, engaging workshop uses the visual arts to improve writing skills and help you learn creative approaches to the writing process, including editing and revision. The workshop will include use of multi-media, analysis of artistic images, short texts for discussion, and one-on-one feedback. The workshop is a great way to prepare for summer writing and refresh your skills for the next year.

Tuesday June 14 to Friday June 17

10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Fee $195.00

Ages 13+

Elizabeth Hawley

415 339-9336 ext. 102

ehawley@themarinschool.org

Instructor

Jonah Weaver

jweaver@themarinschool.org or

415 339-9336 ext. 110

The Marin School

100 Ebbtide Ave., #300

Sausalito, CA 94965

Festival of the Arts

2011-05-23T10:15:00.000-07:00

Art, Photography, Film, and the Jazz Band
Thursday, May 26 6:00-8:00 PM

It's All in the Tim--ing 2 a resounding success!

2011-05-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

This past Friday and Saturday evening, May 13th and 14th The Marin School Theatre project presented It's All in the Tim--ing 2: A series of short comic plays to packed houses of delighted audience members. The plays ranged from the Eric Coble Houdini-esque part narrator-part pantomime Ties That Bind to the Eugene lonesco absurdist gem Killing Game, performed with sixteen dramatic deaths and wonderfully grotesque cardboard puppet heads. Each play flowed smoothly into the next contributing its own deft comic touch through the confident and captivating interpretations of the actors.

The drama department would like to acknowledge all involved--from the tech booth to Alison Egan Murray's 9th grade fine arts classroom (puppets!) to the stage--and especially wishes the best to the graduating senior members of the troupe: Zohar Zimmerman, sound man-extraordinaire, and actors Nadav Benattar, Charlie Ebey, Derrick Ly, Matt Mills, and Mollie Wilson. Best of luck with your future dramatic adventures!

TMS Filmbridge Festival goes to Japantown - May 21, 2011

2011-05-17T12:28:00.001-07:00

Please join us for the screening of eatrip, a wonderful new documentary from Japan that is best described as "Zen and the Art of Food".

Where: Viz Cinema (in Japantown) - 1746 Post St., San Francisco, CA

When: May 21, 2011 at 3:00 PM

Cost: $10.00 for movie ticket or $25.00 for DVD + Poster + Movie Ticket

eatrip is a contemporary Japanese food culture documentary and the directorial debut of food coordinator, creator, and teacher, Yuri Nomura. The film explores the interpersonal relationships that food nurtures. To eat is a universal experience and this documentary takes the audience on a journey throughout Japan looking at how life can be led richly through the daily ritual of eating. For more information and to view the film's trailer go to http://www.eatripfilm.com/.

RSVP to Kieran Ridge, TMS Filmbridge Program Director at krdige@themarinschool.org

TMS Athlete Qualifies for NCS in the 100 Meters Dash

2011-05-17T11:32:00.000-07:00

TMS student, Erik Sandell, came in 5th place overall out of 60+ participants in eight heats of the 100 meters dash in the Bay Counties League championships. His performance qualifies him for the North Coast Section meet.

The Marin School student art and photography featured at The Marin High School Art Show

2011-05-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

Example of work by TMS students that can be seen at The Marin High School Art Show

Eleven works of art and photography created by TMS student's are featured at The 20th Annual Marin High School Art Show, running from May 8 - May 28, 2011 at the Marin Art and Garden Center Gallery. We hope you can join us at the Artists Reception, May 15th from 2-4 pm.

For more information go to www.marinsocietyofartists.org or 415 454-9561.

The Marin Art and Garden Center Gallery is located at 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross, CA

The Marin School Theater Project presents "It's All in the Timing...2"

2011-05-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

For more information:

Elizabeth Hawley

ehawley@themarinschool.org

415 339-9336, ext. 102

Three TMS Ninth-Grade Poets Win Prizes in County-Wide Poetry Contest

2011-05-04T14:57:00.000-07:00

Pictured (left to right) TMS Poets; Francesca, Emma C, Emma D

Only 60 poems out of the 700 poetry submissions from Marin County public and private high school students made it through the four rounds of judging by a panel of local poets. Of those 60, 40 of the poems were selected for publication in the 2011 contest anthology, by Marin County Poet Laureate C.B. Follett, the final judge of the 22nd Annual Marin County High School Poetry Contest, an event sponsored by the Marin Poetry Center. Three TMS ninth-grade students--Emma Cormia, Emma Delaporte, and Francesca Glaspell--won awards. Their work was honored at a special ceremony at the Mill Valley Golf Club April 27th; it also has been published in this year's anthology.

(For more information on how to purchase the 2011 contest anthology email anthology@marinpoetrycenter.org or visit http://www.marinpoetrycenter.org/)

The Poems

What Do I Know of Love

by Francesca Glaspell

Like a good book, unabridged.

We were spilling over the sink,

Colors sailing past the lines,

Falling off the pages

And I can't hold someone's heart,

When I can't even hold my own,

And I don't know what to do

Because an object the size of my fist,

Has knocked me out.

Dead poets howling from books,

Telling me what to feel,

Not what to do.

I can't love you like the rest.

The feelings that nest within us,

Between the lungs, were growing stronger,

And I won't let them fly away.

We are maps being deciphered.

We are instruments and,

God is playing symphonies.

I find you native,

I know you foreign,

And I love you blind.

Like a moth burned by desire,

We didn't learn our lesson,

For once we burned for something more

Than our own.

(Inspired by "One Hundred Love Sonnets: XVII" by Pablo Neruda)

Love Poem

by Emma Delaporte

I love it when she bites my feet in bed,

I tell a friend of mine.

The old woman trudging along behind us thinks I'm a pervert.

I think she's a snoop.

My friend laughs. I love it when she licks my nose.

It's gross when her tongue gets up my nose though.

Agreed.

But I love it.

I'm sure to continue this conversation without letting the snoop know

That I'm talking about my cat.

I love the weird patch of white hair she has on her belly.

Yeah it's adorable.

God I love her.

Agreed.

I'd Know You Anywhere

by Emma Cormia

And sometimes just in passing

I'd swear I saw your face

In traffic late at night

A familiar silhouette drawn by the headlights

Of my car next to yours

But I know

It is just a trick of the rain

I saw you yesterday, in transit to the bank

Funny how city buses make people

Look like someone

Just like you

The Marin School Photo Philanthropy

2011-04-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

Photo credit: Helena

For a second year in a row, as a part of TMS' week-long intersession unit, students in the Photo Philanthropy course visited scenic locations around the City of San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma Counties. Along the way, they put their photography skills to a good cause - capturing vivid digital images ranging from locations such as the Conservatory of Flowers, Annadel State Park, Lands End and the Golden Gate Bridge.

At the end of the week, the students selected their favorite shots and constructed greeting cards featuring their work. These cards will be placed on sale in stores throughout Marin County and San Francisco in order to raise money for the non-profit DrawBridge arts programs for homeless children.

Cards will be available for purchase at the school beginning Friday, April 29. For more information please contact mowens@themarinschool.org

To see the complete student portfolio click here.

TMS Annual Online Auction

2011-04-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

Bidding is now open on The Marin School's annual online auction. We would like to encourage you to out-bid each other to raise funds for our wonderful school and make the online auction a success!

We have wine, restaurant gift certificates, jewelry, vaction homes, artwork, teach wish list items and much, much more. New items will be added daily, so if you would like to donate an item please contact Nicole Cosand at 415-399-9336 ext. 131.

Start your bidding now!

2011-2012 Course Elective Catalog Now Available

2011-04-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

The 2011-2012 Course Elective Catalog is now available at http://bit.ly/tmscatolog

Sierra Leone Benefit Concert - Friday, April 29th

2011-04-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

The Sierra Leone Project Presents

The Marin School

Sierra Leone Project Benefit Concert

Friday, April 29

6 to 8 pm

What: A benefit concert to support the Makrapodia Secondary School of Sierra Leone

Who: All are welcome - parents, relatives, friends, students

Where: The Marin School Theater - 100 Ebbtide Ave. - Sausalito, CA

Questions: Contact jweaver@themarinschool.org or doskerne@themarinschool.org

RSVP: jweaver@themarinschool.org

(Do you sing? Play an instrument? Breakdance? If you have a talent you would like to share, please let jweaver@themarinschool.org know by Wednesday April 27th)

An evening with Michael Y. Simon, MA MS, MFT - Wednesday March 23, 2011 - 7:00 pm

2011-03-15T12:15:00.001-07:00

Join us for an evening with

Michael Y. Simon, MA, MS, MFT

"Teens, Drugs, Alcohol and Parties:

Getting to Best Practices in Your Community"

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

7:00 - 8:30 pm

TMS - Hawk's Nest

According to Michael, it's a rare day that parents of teens don't wonder about drugs, alcohol and parties. Most parents want to know specific information about what they should tell their adolescents in order not to have them do certain things, (e.g., go to a party, smoke too much, get drunk, not have unsafe sex or not have sex at all.) Some parents want to know specific information about drugs or alcohol or driving under the influence. And still other parents feel that their own kids aren't engaging in drug use or party-going, but they still feel nervous about those things or nervous that their kids will be or are involved with others who do use drugs or go to parties. During the evening, parents will learn just what is at stake in dealing with the issue of parties and drugs.

Michael has a background in adolescent counseling at independent high schools and is a psychotherapist in private practice for more than 15 years. He is also the founder of Practical Help for Parents, speaks locally and nationally on parenting teens, and is currently writing a book about teens and status. More information can be found on his website at http://www.practicalhelpforparents.com/.

Please join us for this informatiave parent event. RSVP to Elizabeth Hawley at 415 339-9336 or ehawley@themarinschool.org

TMS Presents Eugene Tsui, Ph.D., March 9, 7:00 pm

2011-02-16T15:06:00.000-08:00

The Marin School Presents

"Evolutionary Architecture: Redesigning Reality

For a Sustainable Global Future"

Eugene Tsui, Ph.D. in person

Wednesday, March 9, 7-8:30 pm

Award-winning architect and clothing designer, Eugene Tsui, will present his revolutionary ideas about how to rebuild and reorganize our world by bringing the laws of nature into harmony with the newest human inventions. Eugene's pioneering theory of biomimetics combines nature's simplest designs with the newest technologies to show how our most basic needs - housing, clothing and food - can be provided globally in ways that are elegant, equitable and enjoyable. We'll screen a short documentary about Eugene's work, followed by a showing of his spectacular, eco-friendly fashion designs, than a conversation and Q & A. Eugene holds professional degrees in architecture, city and regional planning, and education. He works and teaches in the US and China, and lectures around the world. Please join us for an uplifting vision of a creative and sustainable future.

Admission is free - RSVP to ehawley@themarinschool.org

Doors open at 6:30 pm

The Marin School - 100 Ebbtide, Building 5, Sausalito, CA

Outside the Walls Week -2011

2011-02-14T13:42:00.000-08:00

The offerings for Outside the Walls Week have just been announced. Seven exciting programs will be offered this year including: The Book Lover's Tour of San Francisco, Swimming Upstream - Salmon and the Bay Area, Yosemite Natural History, Photo Philanthropy, Fashion Week, The Practice of Giving: Volunteering and Stewardship in our Community, and Making Movies in the Bay Area.

For more information click here

Keith Hubert, TMS teacher, publishes book on Ghana

2011-02-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

Every other summer, Keith Hubert, TMS math teacher, leads students on a three-week trip across Ghana visiting its people and viewing its remarkable landscapes, plants and animals. Prior to joining TMS, Keith lived and worked in Ghana; teaching for the Peace Corp.

Keith has captured the essence of this beautiful country and its remarkable people in his recently published book, "Living Gold: People and Places of Ghana." His photos of the people, places, festivals and native animals are beautiful; leaving us with the desire to make the next trip to Ghana with Keith and his students!

TMS Theatre Project Presents Max Frisch's The Firebugs

2011-02-01T11:30:00.000-08:00

Don't miss The Marin School Theatre Project presentation of The Firebugs, a play by Max Frisch. For tickets and information contact Elizabeth Hawley at ehawley@themarinschool.org or (415) 339-9336, ext. 102.

Winter Jazz Band Concert - Jan. 20th - 7:00 pm

2011-01-13T11:13:00.000-08:00

TMS Presents Oscar winner, Jeremy Larner - Jan. 26, 2011

2011-01-11T10:18:00.000-08:00

Oscar-winning screenwriter, Jeremy Larner, will be our next guest for the TMS Presents series, January 26, 2011 - 7 to 8 pm. Jeremy won an Oscar for "The Candidate", the classic political campaign film starring Robert Redford -- set in California, with a production office based in Mill Valley! Join us for an evening of film clips and conversation with Jeremy, who has been an insider both in Washington DC and Hollywood from the early 1960s, and whose insights are as sharp and relevant as ever. Admission is free of charge, doors open at 6:30 pm - RSVP to kridge@themarinschool.org.

Jeremy was speechwriter for Senator Eugene McCarthy when that campaign knocked LBJ out of the presidential race in 1968. He also was the "life" magazine reporter at the politically-charged Mexico Olympics and an award-winning novelist. He co-wrote, with Jack Nicholson, the screenplay for the only film Nicholson ever directed, "Drive, He Said", based on Jeremy's novel of the same name. As if all that isn't enough, Jeremy is also a published poet.

Jeremy will also appear for an event with our students during the day: "From the Rise of JFK to the Fall of Nixon: An Inside View of American Politics, 1960-75." We'll be exploring not only that key time in history, but the effects is still has today, and the lessons to be learned from those connections.

"Mzansi Citizens of Soul" - January 7, 2011

2011-01-04T10:54:00.000-08:00

TMS Alumni, Spencer Ackermann (class of '06) has taken on a new role as CFO of Soul-City Productions, a non-profit created by Spencer and two of his peers. They are kicking off 2011 with a multi-media art exhibition in Sausalito on January 7, 2011 at Studio 333, 6-9 pm.

"Mzansi Citizens of Soul" is a multi-media art exhibition sharing visions of contemporary South African culture, identity and community from the youthful perspectives of one American and two South African artists using photography, Xerox Transfer printmaking, raw artistic documentary film, poetry and writing as the foundation for communication a message of social awareness and cross-cultural understanding.

The exhibition is a celebration of diversity as it works to promote cross-cultural connections through universal languages of artistic expression. Soul city seeks to provide the Bay Area public with a foundation of greater understanding of the South African experience, past and presents; and does so through the notion of soul - a feeling that we recognize as being uniquely human and a catalyst for progressive unity among people of different spaces around the world.

"Mzansi Citizens of Soul"

January 7, 2011 - 6 to 9 pm

Studio 333

333 Caladonia St.

Sausalito, CA

Free Adminission (suggested $5 donation)

Video Conference with filmmaker Robert Greenwald

2010-12-10T09:58:00.000-08:00

Students in The Marin School's Politics & Media class spoke with filmmaker Robert Greenwald via Skype on Thursday. Greenwald is the founder and president of Brave New Films, and is the director/producer of several documentaries including "Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers" (2006), "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price" (2005), and "Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism" (2004).

You can view a short video clip of the video conference or listen to the entire conversation below:

Robert Greenwald Clip from The Marin School on Vimeo.

Video Conference with Robert Greenwald from The Marin School on Vimeo.

TMS Presents Granta magazine's launch of "Best Young Writers in the Spanish Language" Dec. 6th

2010-11-23T10:47:00.000-08:00

On December 6, 2010, TMS Presents is co-sponsoring the Granta authors' tour of the Bay Area in partnership with UC Berkeley Center for Latin American Studies. Celebrating Granta magazine's launch of "Best Young Writers in the Spanish Language", guests will include Andres Solano (Colombia), Carlos Yushimoto del Valle (Peru), Carlos Labbe (Chile) and Daniel Alarcon (Peru/USA).

Authors will read and discuss their work in an interactive discussion with TMS students. The program will be streamed live at www.ustream.tv/channel/tms-presents.

More information on Granta and the writers can be found at www.granta.com/Magazine/113

Video Conference with Filmmaker Taki Oldham

2010-11-09T14:34:00.000-08:00

TMS students in Matt O'Donnell's Politics and Media class participated in a video conference with Australian filmmaker Taki Oldham via Skype today. The students watched Taki Oldham's new film Astro-Turf Wars: How Corporate America is Faking a Grassroots Revolution in class last week. You can watch the trailer for Astro-Turf Wars and the video conference below.

Video Conference with Taki Oldham from The Marin School on Vimeo.

Award-winning French film director visits TMS

2010-11-04T13:18:00.000-07:00

Eleonore Faucher, award-winning French film director, visited TMS this week to meet with students from the film class taught by Kieran Ridge. The visit was arranged by Kieran and Keith Zwolfer, Education Program Manager for the San Francisco Film Society. Scenes from two of her films, Sequins and Sisters, the latter of which was just released in the US and the former being the winner of the Critics Week Grand Prize at the Cannes film festival, were shown and Ms. Faucher answered questions from the students.

Clips from Sisters can be viewed below.

Students Visit Mother Jones Magazine

2010-10-29T17:41:00.000-07:00

Students in Matt O'Donnell's Politics and Media Class were treated to an inside look at Mother Jones Magazine in San Francisco today. Mother Jones President and CEO Madeleine Buckingham welcomed the class and gave them an overview of the magazine and answered questions. The group then heard from research editor Celia Perry and discussed the development of a story that appears in the current issue of the magazine. After a tour of the offices, the students had a Q & A with publisher Steve Katz on how Mother Jones approaches social media. The trip gave TMS students a unique behind-the-scenes view of how the print media operates.

TMS Presents, in partnership with Book Passage, an evening with Summi Kaipa

2010-10-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

Celebrating ten years of partnering with Book Passage, The Marin Sschool is c0-hosting with Book Passage an event featuring the author of "Indivisible", the first ever anthology of poetry by American authors of South Asian background.

Summi Kaipa & Contributors - Indivisible: An Anthology of Contemporary South Asian American Poetry

October 29, 2010 @ 7:00 pm

Book Passage in Corte Madera

For more information visit Book Passage or TMS Presents

The Marin School students observe raptors and count sand crabs

2010-10-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hawk Hill Raptor Observation - though the road to Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands is closed for construction, the TMS SF Bay Area Ecology class went up to the closest overlook to do their class raptor presentations and look for raptors. The class ran into Alan Fish, the director of the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, who was thrilled that the students were doing the project he had proposed a few years ago, where each student researched a different raptor presenting their findings to the class. Additional photos can be viewed here.

Sand Crab Monitoring - The TMS biology students worked diligently at Muir Beach to collect and count sand crabs as part of the LiMPETS program administered by the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association. Classes from TMS have been monitoring the sand crab population at Muir Beach for years and have witnessed a drastic decline in their population ever since the beach was closed due to the Cosco Busan oil spill. In fact the students did not find any crabs there this year (and for the past few years). Even though they did not find a single crab, that data is still significant. Additional photos can be viewed here.

Taegan Goddard, Political Wire speaks with students via Skype

2010-10-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

Taegan Goddard, founder and publisher of Political Wire joined TMS' Matt O'Donnell's Politics and Media class via Skype. Political Wire is one of the earliest and most influential p0litical web sites. You can watch the video below:

Video Conference with Taegan Goddard from The Marin School on Vimeo.

The Marin School Student Photo Exhibit Premieres at SFO

2010-10-13T16:10:00.000-07:00

TMS student photo exhibit has been chosen by the San Francisco Airport Museum for display in its Children's Art Gallery at SFO during October and November.

The exhibit, titled "Concrete, Glass, Metal and Sky: Images of San Francisco Bay Area Architecture", is representative of the diversity of architectural styles and landmarks found in the SF Bay Area. Many are well-known and much photographed icons - but what is different and makes these photos unique is the way they are seen through the students' perspective.

The 22 photos in the exhibit were taken by the students on various field trips scheduled throughout the year that supplement their classroom learning. Photography, taught by Marianne Owens, has always been a popular elective for students; with classes ranging from black-and-white to digital photography.

The Marin School exhibit can found in the gallery located in the lower level of Terminal 1, near the baggage claim. The exhibit can also be view online at www.themarinschool.org/academics/student-portfolios/index.aspx (under photo)

London-based literary magazine, Granta and leading Pakistani novelist, Uzma Aslam Khan will appear at TMS Oct. 11th

2010-10-06T09:12:00.001-07:00

The world-renowned, London-based literary magazine, Granta, will make The Marin School the site of the Marin County launch for its brand new, timely issue focusing on Pakistan, next Monday, October 11 at 7pm. Leading Pakistani novelist, Uzma Aslam Khan, will be here in person, reading from her work and discussing the Granta anthology's overall take on the relationship between Pakistan and the West, which is so prominent in today's news headlines. Many of Pakistan's leading novelists, poets and journalists are contributors to the new Granta, so this will be a fantastic opportunity for the TMS community to be part of a vital dialog about today's world.

The event will run from 7-8pm, with Uzma reading from her work and an audience Q&A. Doors open at 6:30pm and the event is free of charge. Our friends and partners from Book Passage will bring books for sale and signing.

To reserve seats for the event, please send an email to kridge@themarinschool.org.

For a preview of the new Granta, please check the links below:

Granta Magazine

NYT review

Wall Street Journal review

Advanced TMS Drama Students meet with actors from Marin Theatre Company

2010-10-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

The advanced drama students attended a special, sold-out matinee performance of Tarell Alvin McCraney's In the Red and Brown Water last Tuesday, Sept. 28th at Marin Theatre Company. The play is the first in a cycle of plays entitled The Brother/Sister Plays. Though set in a fictional Louisiana town, In the Red and Brown Water intriguingly combines a number of disparate elements including West African regligious deities, Greek-like choral recitation and spoken stage directions to remarkable effect. The students prepared for the play by work shopping several scenes from it in advance of the show. Comparing MTC's version with the students' own production ideas proved to be a highlight, as did the Q and A session with the plays actors that immediately followed MTC's production. The day's events were such a great success that the students plan to attend the second and third plays in McCraney's Louisana cycle, which are to be shown in an unique partnership this season later at The Magic and ACT.

Photo: Advanced drama students with actors from Marin Theatre Company's production of Tarell Alvin McCraney's In the Red and Brown Water.

TMS Senior Matthew Mills receives commendation in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program

2010-09-29T11:22:00.001-07:00

Head of school, Peter Esty of The Marin School announced today that Matthew Mills has been named a Commended Student in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Corporation which conducts the program.

Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2011 competition by taking the 2009 preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

"Recognition of high-achieving students is essential to advancing educational excellence in our nation," commented a spokesperson for NMSC. "As demonstrated by their outstanding performance in our highly competitive program, the young men and women named Commended Students represent some of the most academically talented students in our country."

Update from TMS Director of Admissions

2010-09-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

As I'm getting ready for our Information Open House on October 3, I can turn to look out my office window and across campus to a gorgeous fall day in the Marin Headlands. Independent school admissions follow a seasonal cycle more or less beginning this time of year as families and students get to know us in the fall. It continues through the winter when much of the behind-the-scenes work is done as applications, transcripts, and recommendations are read and reread, then into spring -- which often comes too soon in our field -- as decision letters are mailed and contracts are returned. After a quick pause to breathe, the cycle starts all over again!

One of the many benefits of doing admission work for The Marin School is that our small-by-design environment allows admissions to be ongoing, despite where in the season the traditional admission process happens to be. Mid-year relocations and students finding themselves not well placed in the school they currently attend typically have few options for quality independent school education. The Marin School, however, is an option, and a wonderful one at that. We love to meet potential applicants any time of year for consideration any time of year. parents are often a school's best advocates: Please spread the word about this possibility for mid-year enrollment, and let me know how I can work with you to make The Marin School as known and admired as it deserves to be.

Thank you!

Margarita Rhodes

Director of Admissions

Ph: 415 339-9336 ext. 104

mrhodes@themarinschool.org

http://www.themarinschool.org/

"Race to Nowhere" - October 4th Screening at the Lark Theater

2010-09-28T15:47:00.000-07:00

The film Race to Nowhere will be shown at the Lark Theater, Monday, October 4th at 7:30 pm, including a discussion hosted by Kieran Ridge, English Deptartment Chair at The Marin School.

Race to Nowhere is a close-up look at the pressures on today's students, offering an intimate view of lives packed with activities, leaving little room for down-time or family time. It explores the reprecussions of our over-burdened scheduled world on our young people.

For more information on the film and to purchase tickets click here

TMS Participates in Peace One Day

2010-09-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

September 21 was declared International Day of Peace by the United Nations in 2001. This year the Sausalito Woman's Club partnered with the international organization, Peace One Day, inviting the community to get involved by joining community members and local schools for an interactive experience using the film and educational materials of Peace One Day founder, Jeremy Gilley.

The TMS photography students, led by Marianne Owens, submitted art posters of what peace meant to them. TMS students displayed their art at the evening reception attended by community leaders. More photos here

Frequent "TMS Presents" guest in the News

2010-09-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

Niels Mueller, who has twice been a guest at TMS Presents, is the producer/writer behind the new CBS series The Defenders. The series starts tonight - so don't miss it! More information and a preview of the show can be found at www.cbs.com/primetime/the_defenders.

TMS Board of Trustees announce extension of Peter Esty's tenure as Head of School

2010-09-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

The Marin School Board of Trustees announced yesterday that Peter Esty has agreed to extend his tenure as Head of School through the 2011-2012 academic year.

Earlier in the week, the Board unanimously endorsed the recommendation of the Search Committee to defer the search for a Head of School, and to extend Peter's tenure effective immediately.

In making the announcement, Merrill Boyce, chair of the Search Committee and Ted West, chair of the Board of Trustees, said that the Board believes strongly that Peter's leadership experience and optimistic approach to our mission will lead TMS to realize the goals we have set in our strategic plan.

More information can be found at:

Letter from the Board of Trustees
Peter Esty's profile
TMS Strategic Plan

TMS Senior Matt Mills spent his summer "working" the birds

2010-09-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

TMS Senior Matt Mills spent his summer volunteering at The Chula Vista Nature Center in San Diego. The CVN Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing environmental education on coastal resource conservation, and instilling a respect for nature and wildlife in people of all ages.

Rescued birds; including owls, pelicans, gnatcatchers and eagles, are just a few of the NCV Center's resident native birds. Matt took all manner of care of the birds, particularly the raptors. He spent many hours being the guy standing and talking with visitors at the Center. They call it "working" the birds.

More pictures of Matt and friends can be viewed on TMS' website

TMS Filmbridge 2010 Guest in the News

2010-09-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

TMS Filmbridge Festival 2010 guest, Jennifer Lawrence of "Winter's Bone" has just been named one of The 10 Breakout Female Stars of 2010.

As part of the Filmbridge program, Jennifer, along with director Debra Granik, came to campus last April to talk with students about their Sundance Grand Jury prize winner "Winter's Bone", complete with a screening of the film prior to its release at the SF Film Festival. It's anticipated that Jennifer will receive an Oscar nomination for her role as an Ozark teenager tracking down her bail-jumping father.

The TMS Filmbridge program is directed by Kirean Ridge, TMS English department head and film instructor.

TMS Announces Fall Information Open House Dates

2010-07-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

The Marin School Information Open House events will be held this fall. Dates are:

October 3, 2010; 2 to 3:30 pm
October 24, 2010; 2 to 3:30 pm
November 10, 2010; 6:30 to 8 pm
December 2, 2010; 6:30 to 8 pm

If you would like to attend or would like more information please call Elizabeth Hawley at (415) 339-9336 or email: ehawley@themarinschool.org.

TMS Photography Students Honored at the Marin County Fair

2010-07-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Marianne Owens, TMS Photography teacher, and to all her students who received numerous awards at the Junior Photography exhibition at the Marin County Fair:

BEST OF SHOW - Robert Little
First Place - Jesse Vad, Erik Wikman, Reid Oakander, Robert Little (3), Hannah Turner-Hart, Shannon Ryan, Jacob Jackson, Diana Bartle, and Emma George
Second Place - Charlie Ebey, Dustin Whitehouge, Naseme Halloum, Kellee Taylor, and Shannon Ryan
Third Place - Kellee Taylor, Naseme Halloum, and Rebecca Klum

The winning photographs are available for viewing at The Marin School campus in Sausalito.

Update from France

2010-07-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Families:

On top of their regular morning classes, the students added an optional class to their load, on Tuesdays and Fridays. We can't be surprised that they selected slang over literature.

Every day, we discover a new beach and a new small town. So far, the students' favorite town is Cassis and their favorite beach is on the island of Porquerolles; a wonderful way to celebrate 4th of July.

The students are developing new friendships with the students from the school who, for the most part right now, are from the German speaking part of Switzerland. Yesterday afternoon, Carmen, Mme Valle's new student, arrived by the Geneva-Toulon TGV (bullet train). The students were very excited to have a new roommate.

We will say good-bye to our friends on Friday because on Saturday, we will take the road to Nice. Sunday we will visit the Principality of Monaco.

Monday in a week, the California girls will be ready for "Home, Sweet Home."

Marie France

Update from France

2010-06-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Families,

Our few days in Paris were packed with visits, laughters, and wrapped in heavy fatigue with jet lag and WALKING (a new word in our vocabulary).

We arrived safely and happily in the town of Hyeres in the south of France. The travelers already tasted the clement waters of the Mediterranean Sea and enjoyed the delicious food prepared by their host families.

Let's tan!

Marie France

TMS Presents Guest in the News This Week

2010-06-15T13:14:00.001-07:00

Ginger Cassady of the Rainforest Action Network was in the news today as she and others in the "Change Chevron Campaign " staged a protest at the U.S. House of Representatives Oil Hearings in Washington.

"Ginger Cassady of the Change Chevron Campaign was escorted out of the House Oil Hearings in DC while confronting Chevron CEO John Watson about his company's toxic legacy of oil dumping in the Ecuadorean Rainforest"

Ginger Cassady attempted to deliver a bottle of oil-contaminated water from Ecuador to Chevron’s CEO John Watson. While being escorted out Cassady said: “Chevron is responsible for dumping 18 billion gallons of toxic oil waste in Ecuador, Chevron is no better than BP."

Cassady spoke at The Marin School after a screening of the film Crude last month.

TMS 'Authors Series' 2010 guest, Yiyun Li, named one of nation's top young fiction writers.

2010-06-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

Yiyun Li, who visited The Marin School on March 24, 2010, has been named one of the nation's best young ficiton wrtiers by editors of The New Yorker. She was among 20 writers under age 40 whom The New Yorker's editors selected as the best and most promising of their generation. The New Yorker interview can be found at http://bit.ly/9BI2rF

William Archbold, former TMS student, graduates from West Point

2010-06-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

Cadet William Spencer Allan Archbold, son of Ms. Catherine Jones of Greenbrae, CA and Mr. Guy Archbold of El Dorado Hills, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy on Sunday, May 22.

William graduated from The Marin School in 2006. While at West Point, he concentrated his studies in Systems Engineering. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army within the Field Artillery branch and will report to Fort Carson, CO for his first assignment.

TMS Presents Guests in the News this Week

2010-06-10T16:19:00.000-07:00

TMS Presents guest Vicki Abeles was featured on Oprah.com for her film "Race to Nowhere." Vicki has visited TMS several times in the past year and participated in a Q & A with the student body and staff after a screening of her film.

"People are tired of being alone on these issues," she says. "They want community. They want to be together." Parents are forming online groups, meeting in person and committing to work toward change for the health of their students after coming together to screen the documentary. The film has empowered school districts to initiate change in areas like reducing or eliminating homework for elementary kids, setting later start times for tired high schoolers and limiting the number of AP courses a student can take in one semester. "Systemic change will happen when parents trust their instincts. And educators trust their instincts. It's too difficult to do by yourself," Vicki says.

USA Today included a glowing review for TMS Presents guests Debra Granik, director of Winter's Bone, and actress Jennifer Lawrence, in their paper today. Granik and Lawrence visited The Marin School last April.

Every so often a film gets under our skin with its haunting authenticity, reinforcing our faith in the wonderfully transporting power of cinematic storytelling.

Winter's Bone is unquestionably that film.

France Trip Update

2010-06-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

On June 22, the Marin School group will fly to Paris, France and begin a three week adventure that will take the students on a 3 day exploration of the city of lights and a two week homestay/study in Hyeres, in the south of France. We will conclude our linguistic journey by a visit to "le Rocher de Monaco" and Nice.

Consult this website for more details: http://www.passports.com/weregoing/secure/login/groups/gpst/grpmain.cfm

Stay tuned!

-Marie-France

Green Team Update

2010-06-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

Over the last couple of months, the Green Team and the city of Sausalito have been working together to carry through with a recycling project. The city needed the containers in back of buildings 1 through 6 painted and labeled in such a way that non residents would think twice before depositing their trash into the campus containers.

Last week, Kevin Hill, a senior, met with Joe Burns, Greg Smith, and another representative from the city and they all agreed on a plan to start the project.

The Green Team is very proud of Kevin for volunteering and helping with the campus at large recycling.

-Marie France Patterson

John Avildsen, Director of Rocky and The Karate Kid, comes to The Marin School

2010-06-07T08:21:00.000-07:00

Film students spent their Saturday (June 5) on campus. As part of the TMS Filmbridge Festival 2010, they filmed scenes from the original Karate Kid aptly titled "The Karate Kid in Marin" with direction provided by John Avildsen, Oscar winning director.

John Avildsen is best known for directing the orignal "Rocky", "Save the Tiger" and "The Karate Kid" and its first two sequels.

(John is pictured third from left in the back row)

Alumni Reunion

2010-06-03T10:11:00.000-07:00

Come join us on June 5th from 11-3 for a fun afternoon at our beautiful Sausalito campus for lunch and reconnect with old friends and teachers.

You'll enjoy

BBQ including hamburgers (veggie burgers), hot dogs, beverages and snacks ($10 per person - children are free). Click here to pay.
Music from DJ Jazzy Joel with your favorite hits from the 80's, 90's and 00's!
Take a Tour of the New School and Expanded Campus
See The Performing Arts Theater
Experience The Fab Lab
Take Photos of The New Photography Studio
Play in the Alumni Basketball Game. (If you'd like to play, contact Nicole Cosand).

For those of you traveling from out of town, click here to view a list of hotels in the area.

Pre-Paid RSVP's are greatly appreciated as we must secure catering for the event. You can RSVP by clicking here.

If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Cosand, Director of Development at 415-339-9336 X 131 or at ncosand@themarinschool.org

Students Interview Rep. Lynn Woolsey

2010-05-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

Students Shannon Ryan and Ashley Vidal along with teacher Matt O'Donnell interviewed Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey yesterday at her office in San Rafael. The interview focused on U.S. immigration policy and was a follow up to the "Outside the Walls Week" immigration documentary project.

TMS Event Honoring Director John Avildsen

2010-05-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

The Marin School Presents

A Tribute to John Avildsen: Oscar-winning Film Director

(Rocky, The Karate Kid,The Power of One, Save the Tiger)

John Avildsen in person
reviewing key scenes from his classic films, with audience Q & A

JUNE 5th 7PM (Reception 6.15PM)
at Kerner Optical Film Studio
3210 Kerner Boulevard, San Rafael

Suggested Donation $20
In support of TMS Filmbridge Outreach:
Bringing Human Rights Film Events to Bay Area High School Students

To reserve seats RSVP to kridge@themarinschool.org
Supported by TMS Board of Trustees, Kerner Optical & the Sausalito Film Festival

Film Screening and Q & A at TMS

2010-05-13T20:05:00.000-07:00

The student body viewed the film Crude this morning in the Hawk's Nest. After the film they participated in a Q & A with Ginger Cassady of the Rainforest Action Network and with Brian Parker, a law student currently working on the case against Chevron/Texaco in Ecuador. The film is drawing new interest this month due to a court decision involving First Amendment rights.

Drama Production Announcement

2010-05-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

The TMS Drama Department presents...

A theatrical adaptation of Lewis Carroll's Alice in
Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass
Friday and Saturday, May 21st and 22nd
7:30 p.m.
in the TMS Theater

Tickets: $10 ($5 for students)
Reserve seats with Elizabeth
415-339-9336, ext. 102 or
ehawley@themarinschool.org

Cinco de Mayo at TMS

2010-05-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

Cinco de Mayo marks the coming together of the Mexican people when they were threatened by French invasion. On May 5th 1862, the Mexican identity was born. The TMS World Language Department celebrated the event on the basketball court with a piñata that the students tried to break in less than three blows. As the “New Village” students were working in the garden, one of our ninth graders, Jake Miskelley, grabbed the opportunity and invited them to help us in “quebrar la piñata.” Students from The Marin School and New Village School were very happy to join forces and celebrate together this auspicious moment in Mexican history. All is well! Our Spanish speaking students have forgiven the French, and are happy to celebrate both cultures.
- Marie-France Patterson

Totalitarian High

2010-05-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

Sophomores in Modern World History at TMS recently designed their own high schools -- as totalitarian institutions. The purpose of the exercise was to give them a concrete sense of what life might be like in a totalitarian state, with all of the propaganda, terror and indoctrination techniques such states have used to control of all aspects of a society.

One student, Nicholas Howes, worked hard and fast to produce a short video as his submission, which you can view below.

Chairman's Gala Info

2010-04-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

Chairman's Gala - An Evening in the South Pacific - May 1, 2010

Corinthian Yacht Club
43 Main St
Belvedere Tibrn, CA 94920-2507
(415) 435-4771

The attire is for the Chairman's Gala tomorrow night and it's all about the South Pacific theme! Aloha shirts and festive Polynesian attire or cocktail attire is fine.

Also, we have a fantastic RAFFLE ready for tomorrow night! It's a GREEN raffle and tickets are $20 each - the items are:

#1: T67S TRIKKE (http://www.goldengatetrikke.com/)

#2: THE DARBY GREEN BED & BREAKFAST IN DARBY, MONTANA - THREE NIGHT ‘LONG WEEKENDER’ STAY (http://thedarbybedandbreakfast.com/)

#3: 2010 TESLA ROADSTER SPORT (Electric) - 100 MILE/DAY RENTAL (http://www.teslamotors.com/)

The Gala is The Marin School’s spring fundraiser and major party! At this annual event, the TMS community comes together with friends and associates to celebrate our good fortune, to acknowledge our staff, parents and students, and to raise money for our school.

Director Debra Granik and actress Jennifer Lawrence visit The Marin School

2010-04-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

Juniors and seniors at The Marin School watched the film Winter's Bone in the school theater this morning before the film was released to theaters nationwide. Students and teachers also participated in a Q&A with the film's director Debra Granik and leading actress Jennifer Lawrence. Winter's Bone won the Grand Jury Prize at this year's Sundance Film Festival.

Zoology Students at the San Francisco Zoo

2010-04-29T04:47:00.000-07:00

The zoology classes spent the day (4/28/10) at the SF Zoo. While at the zoo, the students took plenty of still pictures for their next project. They also participated in a scavenger hunt. Some of the students had mixed feelings about the zoo - for their last project they made videos exploring different ethical issues surrounding animals - and some chose the ethics of having animals in zoos. They were quick to diagnose pacing disorders (and that was just with me before we left as I was the only chaperone with 30 students!) and depression in the animals. In the end, everything went well and we all enjoyed the day!

-Jeff

College Planning for the Week of 4/26

2010-04-26T09:32:00.001-07:00

They may be smart but they forget to bathe - Evidently, the 24 hour reading room at MIT gets a bit, shall we say, fragrant, the week prior to final exams. This year, the student government has stepped in to help students who forget to take a shower break by providing hygiene products. Read more...

Landmark College Summer Programs - Landmark College has partnered with Southern Oregon University and the University of San Francisco to host West Coast versions of their famous summer programs for students with learning difficulties. Landmark has developed and hosted these programs on its Putney, Vermont, campus for a number of years. Due to increased demand, beginning summer 2010, students and their families will have the choice of attending a program on the Landmark College campus in Putney or a program on the West Coast. Landmark's Summer Programs build the skills of high school students and graduates with learning difficulties or AD/HD through coursework, experiential learning and the development of self-understanding and self-advocacy skills. Two of the programs that are available include:

3 Week Program for Rising High School Juniors and Seniors from June 27-July 17 in Putney, Vermont, and at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon.
2 Week Program for Graduated Seniors who are Going to College in the Fall from July 18-July 31 in Putney, Vermont, or at the University of San Francisco.

Where were the seniors accepted? Check out the attached list to see where our seniors were accepted. Most have made their decisions about where to attend but a few are still making up their minds.

My Schedule this Week - I will be visiting Bard, Vassar, Colgate, Rensselaer, Skidmore, Syracuse, Hamilton, Union, University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology this week. I will check email while I am traveling. I will be back at school on Monday, May 3rd.

FOR JUNIORS

Marin County College Fair is May 5th from 6-8 at Dominican University in San Rafael Save yourself time and aggravation and register for the Marin County College fair online at http://wacaccollegefair .com. Registering before the fair will allow you to electronically exchange your contact information with colleges that you're interested in and that's a time saver and an excellent way to show you attended and were interested. Note that The Marin School is not listed on the drop down menu (no idea why) of high schools so you'll have to select "other" and add it.

Upcoming SAT and ACT Registration Dates - The registration deadline for the June 5th SAT is April 29th (the late registration deadline is May 13th). Register for the June 12th ACT before May 7th. I recommend students take the SAT in May or June, the ACT in April or June and, if the student has over a 3.0 GPA, 2 subject tests in May or June.

FOR SENIORS

Bring your computers on Monday if you can!

Susan

Minga Group Visits The Marin School

2010-04-23T11:02:00.001-07:00

Students at The Marin School heard a presentation from the founder of Minga and participated in a question and answer about the issue of the child sex trade. The event was hosted by students in the RRR elective class. Minga was created by a high school student in Boston in 2006, here is their mission statement:

We seek to educate the public about the prevalence of this issue through presentations, workshops, and the media. By working with educators, social workers, and youth service providers, we hope to give children everywhere the opportunity to experience a happy childhood. We engage middle-, high-school, and college students in programs that:
· Empower them to get involved in the fight to end child exploitation.
· Prevent at-risk youth from entering into prostitution.
· Prevent our generation from becoming future abusers.

For more information visit the group's website

TMS Student Photography on Display

2010-04-09T22:08:00.001-07:00

College Planning Information for the Week of 3/29/10

2010-03-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

Did you know? Half of all college students attend a college that is less than 100 miles from their home. 88% are within 500 miles of home cooking.

College of the Week - If you are among the 22% that want to venture further from home, read on! Founded in 1888 in Boston MA, Wheelock College is a private, coeducational college with the public mission of improving the lives of children and families - and society, in general. Wheelock is known regionally as a premier institution for those seeking an undergraduate education in Education, Social Work, Juvenile Justice, Liberal Arts or Child Life/ At Wheelock, they value the importance of an intimate learning community where students are challenged and supported by faculty members who are practitioners in their fields and who are committed to teaching, learning, and mentoring.

My Schedule this Week - I will be on campus Monday 10-4, Tuesday 10-4 and Wednesday 10-5. I will not be on campus during Spring Break or Intersession but I check email regularly on days when I am not at school.

FOR JUNIORS

SAT/ACT Practice Test at TMS on Saturday 4/17 at 8:00 AM - Sign up on my door this week and indicate which test you'd like to take. If you are taking the Eureka SAT prep class here at school, you are expected to take this practice test.

Register for College Fairs - Save yourself time and agrivation and register for either the SF or Marin County College fair online. Registering before the fair will allow you to electronically exchange your contact information with colleges that you're interested in and that's a time saver and an excellent way to show you attended and were interested. Follow these links and note that The Marin School is not listed on the drop down menu (no idea why!) of high schools so you'll have to select "other" and add it.

San Francisco Fair - Gotomyncf.com
Marin County Fair - Wacaccollegefair.com

Upcoming SAT and ACT Registration Dates - The next SAT will be given on 5/1 (late registration deadline is 4/8) Register for the 6/12 ACT before 5/7. I recommend students take the SAT in May or June, the ACT in April or June and, if the student has over a 3.0 GPA, 2 subject tests in May or June.

FOR SENIORS

What do you have in common with titans, moguls and news makers? Well, some of them didn't get into their first choice colleges either. Here are a few things they had to say about the experience, with the benefit of hindsight, excerpted from a recent article in the Wall Street Journal.

Warren Buffet - “The truth is, everything that has happened in my life ... that I thought was a crushing event at the time, has turned out for the better,” Mr. Buffett says. With the exception of health problems, he says, setbacks teach “lessons that carry you along. You learn that a temporary defeat is not a permanent one. In the end, it can be an opportunity.”

Columbia University President Lee Bollinger wasn't accepted to his first choice college either. His advice: Don’t let rejections control your life. To “allow other people’s assessment of you to determine your own self-assessment is a very big mistake,” he says. “The question really is, who at the end of the day is going to make the determination about what your talents are, and what your interests are? That has to be you.”

Susan
--
Susan Gotshall-Maxon
College Counselor

School Send-Off for Rites of Passage Team

2010-03-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

Early Saturday morning eight TMS seniors will be heading to Death Valley for a week-long introspective quest. These seniors have been engaged in a preparatory process for the last two months. The trip itself builds up through a variety of group activities to a culminating 48-hour, fasting solo in the desert for each student.

The program was created to fill a gap in our modern culture, in which most of us no longer have the opportunity to mark the passage from childhood into adulthood in any guided, formal way.

This morning juniors, seniors and faculty members gathered for a send-off ceremony. The "questers" stated some of their feelings about the trip, and members of the community offered warm words of support for their up-coming experience. We look forward to their return and hope to share in some of what they learned.

Students Visit the Rainforest Action Network

2010-03-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

Students in Matt O'Donnell's Revolution, Resistance, and Rebellion class visited the Rainforest Action Network's headquarters in San Francisco today to find out about the group's "Change Chevron" campaign. The RRR class had screened the film Crude earlier in the semester and was interested in finding out more about the issue. The students were shown how R.A.N. uses the media and social networking to hold corporations accountable for their environmental policies. The field trip inspired students in the class to plan a community-wide screening of the film Crude for the local community in the near future. You can view the trailer below.

Renowned Author Yiyun Li Visits The Marin School

2010-03-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

Author Yiyun Li spent the afternoon speaking to students at The Marin School about her books and the writing process. Li is the author The Vagrants, a book that was read by the senior English class this year. There will also be and evening program tonight at 7 pm for parents and the school community.

Nighthawk Basketball Dinner

2010-03-24T10:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all parents and players for attending the 2009-10 TMS basketball dinner.

Players were recognized for all their hard work and improvement this season.

Here's to an even stronger 1010-11 season!

Drama Students watch a presentation of The Caucasian Chalk Circle

2010-03-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

Students from the Advanced Drama course attended a special matinee presentation of Bertolt Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle at ACT on Thursday, March 11^th. The production featured ACT’s resident theatre company and several of its conservatory’s MFA candidates performing together in a brilliantlly staged contemporary rendering of the classic play. Directed by John Doyle, the production managed to utilize many of Brecht’s trademark theatrical components to strong effect. In order to prepare for the production students staged their own version of the play’s compelling final scene. Comparing their version with ACT’s proved to be a real highlight. Students were also treated to a Q and A with all of the production’s actors after the show.

College Planning Information for the Week of 3/22/10

2010-03-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

College trivia, or "what can I tell you that you don't already know"?

The oldest college? Harvard University - founded 1636
The college with the most land? Berry College in Georgia with 28,000 acres
Where was Raiders of the Lost Ark filmed? University of the Pacific in Stockton
Top US destination for spring break? Daytona Beach, Florida
Best campus food (based on student surveys)? Virginia Tech
Dorms like palaces? Smith College (sorry, guys!)

My Schedule this Week - I will be on campus Monday 10-4, Wednesday 10-5 and Thursday 10-4. I check email regularly on days when I am not at school but do not check voice mail.

FOR JUNIORS

The importance of your name - If all you friends know you as "Buddy" but your legal name is "Mortimer", make sure that your College Board, ACT and TMS transcript all hail you as Mortimer. If there are discrepancies, colleges will not be able to match up your application, the documents we send them and the official scores the College Board/ACT send. This can (and does) lead to denials of admission. So double check your College Board and ACT accounts if there is any doubt as to how you registered and make corrections now. See me if you need help with making changes.

SAT/ACT Practice Test at TMS on Saturday 4/17 at 8:00 AM - Sign up on my door and indicate which test you'd like to take. If you are taking the Eureka SAT prep class here at school, you are expected to take this practice test.

Upcoming SAT and ACT Registration Dates - The next SAT will be given on 5/1 (registration deadline is 3/25) Register for the 6/12 ACT before 5/7. I recommend students take the SAT in May or June, the ACT in April or June and, if the student has over a 3.0 GPA, 2 subject tests in May or June.

FOR SENIORS

Events for Accepted Students - Many colleges plan special events both on and off campus for accepted students. They want to provide you with opportunities to obtain information and get answers to your questions but most of all they want you to say "yes!" to their offer. Attending these events can be helpful when you have narrowed down your choices to one or two. Even if you have visited the campus previously, you will be surprised by how differently you view it now because you've learned a lot about yourself in the past year.

Susan
--
Susan Gotshall-Maxon
College Counselor

TMS Celebrates St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

Students and teachers at The Marin School celebrated St. Patrick's Day with "corned beef sliders" in the library prepared by Marybeth Colman and a contest for the student showing the most spirit. Robert Little won a Starbucks gift card for his effort but Chris Pflueger's daughter Sylvie gave him some tough competition.

Science Fair Winners

2010-03-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

The Marin School had two winners in the Marin County Science fair this year. Congratulations to Nick Gaede for his first prize win in Behavioral Science . He did a study of the efficacy of free throw rituals for basketball players.

Also, congratulations to Luca Tedesco for his study of the experiments of Galileo. He won a third prize in the Physical Sciences category.

Sierra Leone Project at The Marin School

2010-03-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

Students in Jonah Weaver's sophomore English class presented projects developed from the novel A Long Way Gone: Memoir of a Boy Soldier to students, teachers and parents in the Hawk's Nest at The Marin School yesterday.

Outside the Walls Week April 12 – 16, 2010

2010-03-15T11:40:00.001-07:00

Eight Unique Opportunities to Learn “Outside the Classroom Walls”
1. Surviving your Own Cooking

Course Description:

Surviving Your Own Cooking will help to widen your culinary horizons beyond the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. We will solve the mysteries of the “perfect” French omelet, Asian stir-frying, Italian paninis, All-American barbeque, and painlessly introducing fresh vegetables and fruits into your life…

What I Can Expect To Learn:

Someday, we may choose, or be forced by the vagaries of fortune, to cook for ourselves, and wouldn’t it be nice to learn some simple, easy recipes that are tasty, cheap, and quite possibly healthy. In this class we will investigate recipes, shop for cooking equipment, and explore the seasonal food opportunities in local farmers’ markets.

Faculty Leaders:

Marybeth Colman and guest chefs

Schedule of Activities:

Monday, 4/12

Intro to cooking

Tools of the trade

Shopping secrets

*Presentation is everything

Accessing recipes and DIY videos from YouTube

Menu:

Omelets, frittatas and quiche

Fruit smoothies

Tues, 4/13

The secrets of the George Foreman grill

Menu:

Grilled chicken paninis

Wed, 4/14

The Art of Stir-frying

Menu:

Chinese Mongolian Beef with Ramen noodles (throw away the sauce packet)

Thurs, 4/15

Easy, quick, football game food

Menu:

Killer chili and guacamole quesadillas

Fri, 4/16

AM: Work on presentations at school

PM: Group presentations to all students

2. Life Long Fitness

Course Description:

This experience will challenge participants to look at their personal nutrition and observe levels to determine if their current choices will maintain proper health, mental wellbeing and self worth. It is our belief that a few moderate changes in both diet and exercise can lead to a better life. We challenge each participant to look beyond their teenage years, and establish a routine designed to provide an active and enjoyable long life.

What I can expect to learn:

- The importance of maintainable moderate exercise as it relates to health.

- The importance of choosing healthy foods and monitoring caloric intake

- How to make daily life choices to support your health and nutrition.

Faculty Leaders: Iain and Keith

Mon, 4/12

- Introduction

- Personal fitness analysis

- Personal nutrition analysis

- Goal setting

- Creating a life-long fitness plan

- Simple exercise activity

Tue, 4/13

- Morning journal check-in

- Mollie Stones/Trader Joes/In and Out nutrition analysis field trip

- Fitness options (bosu, yoga etc..)

Wed, 4/14

- Journal check-in

- Health minded Baseball game

Thurs, 4/15:

- Journal check-in

- Pros-cons weight watching

- Student centered exercise activity

- Preparing presentations

Fri, 4/16:

- Morning activity/exercise component

- Afternoon presentations

3. Photo Philanthropy

Course Description:

We will use digital cameras to create fine art photo-cards, and a calendar for sale at local stores. The proceeds will be donated to Drawbridge an arts program that serves homeless and other vulnerable children in seven Bay Area counties. (www.drawbridge.org)

This April, we will explore the San Francisco Bay Area with our digital cameras searching for the perfect shot(s) for our fine art card collection. We will visit the Flower Conservatory, and other destinations in Golden Gate Park, and travel to west Marin, where will visit a photography gallery and then photograph the magnificent beauty of the coastline. Wednesday through Friday we will edit and produce our photo cards, and calendar.

What I Can Expect To Learn:

This is an opportunity for you to visit beautiful places in the Bay Area, learn and improve your photography skills, edit your images in Photoshop, add to your portfolio, and help a children’s art program continue to serve children in need.

What You Need to Bring:

Digital Camera (at least 4 megapixels – cell phone cameras are insufficient)
Good shoes, warm clothing and rain gear
Pack a bag lunch, and, or bring money for lunch
Energy, enthusiasm and a sense of adventure

Faculty Leaders: Marianne Owens and Gustavo Jimenez

Schedule of Activities

Monday, 4/12

Meet at school at 8:45 am and depart at 9 am for west Marin. Stop in Pt. Reyes for a gallery visit, and drive to the beach where we will take lots of photos and have a picnic lunch. Return to school to download and edit your photos.

Tues, 4/13

Meet at school at 8:45 am and depart at 9 am for Golden Gate Park. We will photograph at the Conservatory of Flowers, the Japanese Tea Garden and other points of interest in the park; we will have a picnic lunch at the park. Return to school to download and edit your photos.

Wed, 4/14

Meet at school at 9 am edit photos and prepare a slide show of your best photographs, get feedback from the group, make the final edit and upload photos to be printed. We will have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we will work on our power point presentation for the school assembly.

Thurs, 4/15

Meet at school at 9 am. Demonstration on card making, each student will make fifty cards. We will meet as a group to select photos for the calendar. Create a Power point of our week for the school assembly.

Fri, 4/16

AM: Work on presentations at school

PM: Group presentations to all students

4. Mountain Bike Marin!

Course Description:

Come and bike some of the county’s best trails! We will be on our bikes each day, and in between we’ll learn about bicycle maintenance and repair, the history of mountain biking, trail usage, and controversies over trail access. Geared towards the intermediate skilled mountain biker.

What I Can Expect To Learn:

Marin is the birthplace and the Mecca of mountain biking. It has some of the world’s most scenic trails. Jeff and Chip have been riding the trails of Marin for over twenty years and are intimately familiar with the best our county has to offer. In addition to riding a selection of the best trails, we will learn the history of mountain biking, current controversies over trail access and how to prep and maintain your bike.

Faculty Leaders:

Jeff Sandler is a grizzled veteran with the stamina of a 20-year old. He has lived the sport of mountain biking since he arrived in the Bay Area in 1988.

Chip Vetter, younger and better looking, nonetheless has years on the bike as well.

Schedule of Activities

Monday, 4/12

Equipment check at school.

Ride from school to Rodeo Beach through Tennessee Valley.

Lunch at school.

Watch the movie “Klunkerz” about the history of mountain biking in Marin.

Tuesday, 4/13

Ride Bolinas Ridge (park at Olema trailhead).

Bolinas Ridge - WHAT a ride! This ride has just about everything a body needs to be happy: cool redwoods, wide open grasslands, great views, neat rocks, long climbs doing double duty as long, sweeping downhills, and a little bit of technical stuff (some tree roots, some rocks). It's a ridge and we will start at the bottom of the ridge in Olema and do an out-and-back. There's enough to hold your interest, but not so much that you're not demoralized if you ain't exactly Hans Rey.

Lunch on trail.

Wednesday, 4/14

Ride China Camp Stae Park in San Rafael.

In the late 1800’s, Chinese immigrants living in San Francisco suffered many indignations caused by the prejudice that was prevalent there at that time. Many of them relocated across the bay to Marin and settled in an area along the shoreline that was convenient for their shrimp-harvesting trade. Today that area is known as China Camp State Park and is a popular destination for overnight campers and mountain bike enthusiasts. While most state parks in California permit mountain biking only along fire roads, China Camp is a notable exception. All the single-track trails in the park are legal for bikes and this is a major factor in the park ’s popularity for cyclists. The route of this ride initially leads up a steep incline along Bay View Trail to get to the higher ridges in the park. While the main climb in the beginning is not terribly high, it is steep. Once up the hill, however, the ride becomes a very enjoyable cruise along narrow and bumpy single-track. This ride consists mostly of singletrack. The trails are well marked and easy to follow.

Lunch at Taqueria San Jose.

Thursday, 4/15

Drive to Ross Common, ride the “Lakes Tour”.

We start at the trailhead in Ross and it’s a short climb up to Phoenix Lake, a little gem in the Marin Muniocipal Water District. Passing the lake, we will head up Shaver Grade and Concrete Pipe Trail to Sky Oaks Rod and ride out to Bon Tempe Lake nestled at the base of Mt. Tam. Next on the Lake Tour is Lake Lagunitas, an easy ride on Sky Oaks Road, or, for those looking for a challenge, a ride over Bon Tempe Dam and a sharp climb up and over the ridge on Rocky Ridge Trail. Lunch at Lake Lagunitas and then a fast descent down Fish Grade back to Ross.

Friday, 4/16

Morning: All groups work on presentations

Afternoon: Presentations

5. Self-Presentation through On-Camera Auditioning

Course Description:

Students attending this workshop will enjoy a unique opportunity to look behind the scenes at the selection process that puts actors into most movies, TV shows and commercials. Students will then practice the self-presentation techniques required for a good audition, techniques applicable to a great many real-life situations.

What I Can Expect To Learn:

Whether they are interested in ever pursuing a professional acting career or not, by practicing the techniques and attitudes required for a good audition, students will learn how to present themselves with confidence, ease, sincerity and a positive, cooperative attitude in potentially tense situations.

If a student is interested in acting as a possible career choice, then this workshop could be an invaluable introduction to the fun and challenging world of professional performance, providing real tools for the young actor to use in getting started.

Students will learn how to relate to the camera in a comfortable way; how to interact professionally and positively with clients; and how, generally, to access their “best selves” whenever they need to.

Faculty Leaders:

Phil Van Eyck, Drama Instructor

Chris Pflueger, Social Studies Teacher and SAG, AEA, and AFTRA Member

Schedule of Activities

Mon, 4/12

AM: Intro Exercises at TMS

SELF-INTRO AND SLATES
“HOW TO BE” AT AN AUDITION
ON-CAMERA REVIEW AND CRITIQUE

PM: Field Trip to Marin Theatre Company, with special guest Josh Costello, Creative Director (VAN)

Tues, 4/13

AM: Intro Exercises at TMS

“THE INTERVIEW”
WORKING COMMERCIAL SCRIPTS
TAKING DIRECTION
ON-CAMERA REVIEW AND CRITIQUE

PM: Field Trip to JE Talent Agency and Nancy Hayes Casting in San Francisco. (VAN)

Wed, 4/14

AM: Intro Exercises at TMS

REVIEW SLATES
AUDITION IMPROV
ON-CAMERA REVIEW AND CRITIQUE

PM: Field Trip to Stuart Locklear Photography in San Francisco for professional headshots. (VAN)

Thurs, 4/15

AM & PM:

WORKING ON COMMERCIAL SCRIPTS
LINE-TO-LINE OBJECTIVES
MOCK AUDITION PRACTICE

Fri, 4/16

AM: Work on presentations at school; SPECIAL GUEST DIRECTOR J.P. ALLEN

PM: Group presentations to all students

6. Graton Day Labor Documentary Filmmaking

Course Description:

China Blue, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, Third Monday in October -- movies that have all been big hits at The Marin School over the past couple of years. What do they have in common? They’re about issues that have social impact, newsworthiness and strong human interest. They were made skillfully by film-makers who cared deeply about their subjects, who investigated tough, complicated stories and put a human face on the issues.

You too can make a movie like that. The intersession on migrant labor will include the production of a video documentary about the issue. In the 21st century global economy, migrant labor is a big story, with a potential audience for our documentary locally, around the state, nationally and even internationally. You don’t have to be a spectator on this issue, simply reading and talking about it. Instead you can report on and be a part of the global conversation on one of the big issues of our time.

The first half of the movie was shot last year and turned out very well so we are guaranteed a successful film if you do a good job again this year. Those who worked on it last year are welcome to return, while newcomers are also welcome.

What I Can Expect To Learn:

How to make a real movie!

What makes a movie successful? Is it about something interesting and important? Does it hold the viewer’s attention by informing and entertaining? Do the film-makers use a strong storytelling strategy and technical skills. All of those are important, and this intersession will provide a chance to learn those skills, or improve those you already have, by working on an actual film production, from planning, through shooting, to editing and screening.

After shooting our documentary we will try to edit it in time to show at the TMS Filmbridge Festival in early May, plus create DVDs and perhaps upload it to Youtube. Even if you don’t want to be a career film-maker, an increasing number of careers require some film-making, editing and journalistic skills as we enter the “information age.” Making a great documentary will give you something to show, not just tell about, when you’re putting together those college applications and looking for interesting jobs, plus give you the satisfaction of having done something real in a way the whole world can see.

Faculty Leaders: Kieran, Matt, Marie

Schedule of Activities

Monday, 4/12

Film Crew shooting on location/ Production Crew editing at TMS

Tues, 4/13

Film Crew shooting on location/ Production Crew editing at TMS

Wed, 4/14

Film Crew shooting on location/ Production Crew editing at TMS

Thurs, 4/15

Film Crew shooting on location/ Production Crew editing at TMS

Fri, 4/16

AM: Work on presentations at school

PM: Group presentations to all students

7. Smash, Spin & Roll

Course Description

This exciting and physically challenging course will focus on practical self-defense techniques, de-escalation skills, and non-violent communication. We’ll demystify the subtle and not so subtle ways violence is both perpetrated and perpetuated, and uncover ways to minimize and/or avoid violent situations altogether. The course will blend physical activity with discussions, lessons, and the viewing of a martial arts film. The culminating activity will be a form (series of techniques) that students will learn and practice over the 4 days, and perform on the final day in front of the student body.

What I Can Expect to Learn

Students will have the opportunity to learn and practice valuable physical techniques, boundary setting, and verbal de-escalation skills. They’ll leave with more practical awareness around self-defense, and more confident and connected to their intuition so that in the event of either a physical or verbal/emotional attack they’ll have more options and tools available. Because this course is both physical and personal in nature, participants must be willing to push their boundaries physically and emotionally, take the idea of violence seriously and without sensationalizing it, and be willing to go beyond the idea that they are learning how to fight.

Faculty Leaders

Jo Sandry

Jonah Weaver

Schedule of Activities

Mon, 4/12

9:00-10:15: Self-defense technique/setting physical verbal boundaries

10:15-10:30: Break

10:30-11:45: Discussion/Activity: What is Violence? Violence in film and video games

11:45-12:30: Lunch

12:30-1:45: Spatial awareness/self-defense technique

1:45-2:00: Break

2:00-3:15: Discussion/Activity: Deconstructing self-defense

Tue, 4/13

9:00-10:15: Self-defense technique/forms practice

10:15-10:30: Break

10:30-11:45: De-escalation skills workshop

11:45-12:30: Lunch

12:30-1:45: Self-defense technique/forms practice

1:45-2:00: Break

2:00-3:15: Martial Arts film screening

Wed, 4/14

9:00-10:15: Self-defense technique/grappling/ground-fighting

10:15-10:30: Break

10:30-11:45: Lecture/discussion: Peacemakers making history

11:45-12:30: Lunch

12:30-1:45: Self-defense technique/grappling/ground-fighting/forms practice

1:45-2:00: Break

2:00-3:15: Martial Arts film screening

Thur, 4/15

9:00-10:15: Self-defense technique/grappling/ground-fighting

10:15-10:30: Break

10:30-11:45: Lecture/discussion: Living Peacefully

11:45-12:30: Lunch

12:30-1:45: Self-defense technique/grappling/ground-fighting/forms practice

1:45-2:00: Break

2:00-3:15: Martial Arts film screening

Fri, 4/16

9:00-10:15: Self-defense technique/demonstration practice

10:15-10:30: Break

10:30-11:45: Self-defense technique/demonstration practice

11:45-12:30: Lunch

8. Space and Place: Art in the Bay Area

Course Description:

What are the criteria for installation of public art?

What makes public or outside art successful?

How it is created on both the official and unofficial level?

Our outside the walls course will spend each day experiencing the rich variety of outdoor public art, indoor alternative art and working Art studios throughout the bay area to find answers to the above questions.

To achieve this goal, we will tour various artist studios, public spaces, and art workshops and also have the opportunity to create firsthand public art through a unique outdoor workshop.

The week will be documented through the creation of personal artistic journals and will also culminate with a photo presentation on Friday to the TMS community.

We invite all students regardless of their fine art background to participate in this exciting week!

What I Can Expect To Learn:

You can expect to build on your knowledge about art in the bay area, using what you already know and bridging that with exploring new avenues to understand art in another, new context.

You will participate in hands-on workshops and go to places to create outdoor art firsthand.

You will find the answers to the above questions, by having an open-mind, having fun, and exploring!

Faculty Leaders: Alison, Nancy, josh

Schedule of Activities

Monday, 4/12

Introduction to our week: San Francisco Perspective

· What is public art? What do we know about the art scene in the bay area?

· What are alternative art spaces?

· Where is art that is often ignored by the public?

· What opportunities are there for artists and spectators?

We will Tour various public art projects supported by the San Francisco Arts commission and visit artists’ studios.

Possible venues: Wave organ, Coit Tower Murals and various public installations.

Tues, 4/13

Marin perspective: San Rafael

We will visit a variety of artist studios, both in private and public venues.

Possible places: Art Works Downtown, West Marin Cheese Factory, Novato Art Center.

Wed, 4/14

Oakland/East Bay perspective

We will explore the various ways art can be recycled and formed in an unofficial and unorthodox context.

We will start with a tour at the Crucible, which is a non-profit educational facility that fosters a collaboration of Arts, Industry and Community. Through training in the fine and industrial arts, The Crucible promotes creative expression, reuse of materials and innovative design while serving as an accessible arts venue for the general public.

We will continue to Urban Ore to find materials and then arrive at the Bulb, a landfill turned outdoor art studio in Albany for a hands-0n renegade art activity.

Thurs, 4/15

Napa/Sonoma Perspective

We will begin the day with a tour at di Rosa Art Preserve. This is a 216 acre nature preserve and art environment that focuses on art in many forms that is displayed in harmony w/nature in an open environment, including a sculpture meadow. It is unique and inspiring.

We will also visit the private hess Art Collection located at the Hess family winery. This private collection of extraordinary and thought provoking international contemporary art is often a place for emerging artists to show their work.

Fri, 4/16

Marin School Perspective

Bringing it all together.

We will wrap up the week with a morning filled with summarizing the week’s events and discussing what we learned from our workshops and visits to public art spaces. We will then use the remainder of the time discussing and completing our Art Journals and photo presentation.

College Planning Information for the Week of 3/15/10

2010-03-15T09:34:00.000-07:00

Open Houses, College Fairs and Visits - The spring brings a new round of events designed to make it easy to learn about colleges. As I learn about these events, I'll post them on Family Connection for students to view. There are a number of them posted now so check it out!

College of the Week - Less than an hour away in Moraga, St. Mary's College of California is a place where a great education challenges everything you think you know. At the heart of the curriculum is Collegiate Seminar, a sequence of courses that will challenge you to confront the big ideas of Western civilization. You will read and discuss the world's greatest thinkers so that you can go out and be one. And when you are ready to take a break from Morrison and Machiavelli, you can help entrepreneurs in India or travel to Argentina to immerse yourself in the History of Tango. The 4-1-4 calendar schedule means that during the month of January you can dive headfirst into one intensive, highly specialized course of study. Some take place on campus, some involve service, and some have you travel the lengths of the earth to explore your passion. And did you know that Saint Mary's fields 14 Division 1 teams, eight clubs teams (including a nationally ranked Rugby program) and numerous recreation programs? So retire the 'dumb jock' theory. Apparently, a brainiac school can kick butt.

Is it SFS (Safe for Susan)?- As more and more colleges find their way to an applicant's Facebook and MySpace pages (read this article from the Los Angeles Times), stop and think about whether what you say and post is something you'd be comfortable with me seeing. Privacy settings make no difference once you friend an admissions office with a Facebook page. Ask yourself if it is "safe for Susan?". Think about your personal email address too. If it is anything other than your name it may convey information or an impression that you don't intend.

My Schedule this Week - I will be on campus Wednesday from 9-5, Thursday from 9-4 and have conferences scheduled with families on Friday. I check email regularly on days when I am not at school but do not check voice mail.

FOR JUNIORS

Still confused about how to start thinking about colleges? There seems like a lot to think about and if you are feeling confused and overwhelmed, stop for five minutes and read this short article from the Washington Post. It describes five strategies that can help clear your mind and give you a little more focus.

Virtual college fairs can be a useful tool. Colleges are looking for cheaper ways to spread the word about their campuses and are increasingly using the virtual college fair and Open House to connect with prospective students. College Week Live is the primary player and will be hosting a number of events in the coming months. This is an easy way to learn more about particular colleges. For more information on virtual college fairs, read this short piece from the Washington Post.

SAT and ACT Registration Dates - The next SAT will be given on 5/1 and the next ACT on 4/10 (the late registration deadline is 3/19). I recommend students take the SAT in May or June, the ACT in April or June and, if the student has over a 3.0 GPA, 2 subject tests in May or June.

FOR SENIORS

What's up with placement tests? - If you are planning to attend a UC or CSU campus in the fall, you will receive information about placement tests along with your acceptance letter. Universities require placement tests so that they can more accurately place you in appropriate freshman English and math classes. It is important to take the tests early because you will not be allowed to register until you have taken the tests. You don't have to go to the campus you are planning to attend to take the test - you can usually take the tests at a campus near you. Carefully read all the information sent you and let me know if you have any questions. See the following links for for more information.

Susan
--
Susan Gotshall-Maxon
College Counselor

Chairman's Gala Online Auction!

2010-03-14T08:44:00.000-07:00

The Chairman's Gala On-Line Auction is up and running and can be found at http://auctions.readysetauction.com/themarinschool/

You will find great items to bid on under these categories:

Beauty, Health & Fitness
Books
Celebrity Signatures
Clothing
Dining & Restaurants
Event Tickets
Food & Sweets
Home & Garden
Jewelry
Professional Services
Specialty Items
Sporting Goods
Teacher Wish Lists!
Things To Do
Toys & Hobbies
Travel & Lodging
Wine

Check back often because new items will be added daily. The on-line auction will run for approximately six weeks and will end on Friday, April 23rd at 6:00 p.m.

Remember, all proceeds directly benefit The Marin School, so don't hold back! As a small school, we have financial challenges unlike those of larger schools. Funds raised from the on-line, silent and live auctions help us provide The Marin School's unique educational program.

Also, please send the link to your friends, family and others you know who might like some of the great deals offered for a great cause.

The Chairman’s Gala – An Evening in the South Pacific will be held May 1, 2010, at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon. The festivities will include complimentary Mai Tai's, dining, a continued silent auction with jewelry and wine, and a number of exciting live auction items, including a Behind the Scene Tour at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art with Leslie Katz, a Rodeo Beach Release Celebration with the Marin Mammal Center and a week in Tortola just to name a few! Invitations will be mailed next week and RSVP’s are due April 16th.

If you still have items you would like to donate to the event, please contact Nicole Cosand at 415-339-9336 X 131.

Thank you and happy bidding!

Ocie Taylor, Co-Chair
Chairman's Gala

Futsal season ends on a strong note!

2010-03-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the innaugural TMS Futsal team on a strong finish to the season. The Nighthawks defeated team 'Barcelona' 7-6 on Sunday. Great playing to the following futsalers: Ashley Vidal, Ricardo Romero, Rodrigo Marcia, and Nell Dosker.

Great work, Nighthawks!

French Cesar Award Winners Visited TMS

2010-03-02T15:47:00.000-08:00

Two French filmmakers won the award for Best First Film at the Cesars (French Oscars) for The French Kissers. Kieran Ridge showed excerpts of the film at The Marin School last fall, when he hosted Riad Sattouf (the director) and Anne-Dominique Toussaint (the producer) the morning after the film's US premiere in San Francisco.

College Planning Information for the Week of 3/1/10

2010-03-01T09:26:00.000-08:00

Colorado State University Information Session - Colorado State University Representatives will be on hand to provide information about admissions, academic programs, financial aid, scholarship opportunities, housing and student life. The session will be on March 6th from 2:00-3:30 at the Embassy Suites in Santa Clara.

The Spaulding Wooden Boat Center in Sausalito, inspired by the untapped potential of today’s youth, is excited to offer high school students a unique opportunity—a rewarding and challenging apprenticeship in the art and skills of traditional wooden boat construction, seamanship and environmental stewardship. For more information about the Youth Apprentice Program, visit their website.

College of the Week - This week we had the privilege of hearing Michael Thomas speak. He is a professor of Creative Writing at Hunter College in New York City. Hunter has about 20,000 undergraduate students and is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. If you are looking for an extremely diverse, urban campus, with many majors to choose from look no further!

My Schedule this Week - I will be on campus Monday 10-4, Wednesday 9-5 and Thursday 9-4. I check email regularly on days when I am not at school but do not check voice mail.

FOR JUNIORS

It's time to register for the SAT and/or ACT! The registration process can take an hour or more but I have short cuts and tips to cut that way, way down. I'll walk you through the process and there will, of course, be treats at the end of the process! Your last opportunity to do this with me is on Monday 3/1 at 10:50 during Workshop/Study. Email me now to reserve one of the last 3 spaces.

How can I research colleges? Visiting is always the best way to research a college but there are a number of other ways to gather the information you need to help you decide if a campus would be a good fit for you. I would like to meet again with each of you during March to not only check in but also and show you some ways to research your colleges. Please use the sheet on my door to sign up for time this week or next.

SAT Prep Class begins this week - The Eureka Review prep class begins prompt at 2:45 on Wednesday. Students will be notified of the class room location. The class is full with 8 students but if enough additional students are interested, there may be another class formed. Please contact me if you are interested in this possibility.

SAT and ACT Registration Dates - The next SAT will be given on 3/13 (late registration has past but students can test as a standby - see me for details) and the next ACT on 4/10 (the registration deadline is 3/5). I recommend students take the SAT in May or June, the ACT in April or June and, if the student has over a 3.0 GPA, 2 subject tests in May or June.

FOR SENIORS

Got news? March is the month when you will hear from your remaining colleges and as your news arrives, don't forget to let me know.

Susan

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Susan Gotshall-Maxon
College Counselor

Futsal Win!

2010-02-23T13:39:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to TMS Futsal players as they defeated The Master Dragons over the weekend 14-7!

TMS futsal players were: Nell Dosker, Ricardo Romero, Ashley Vidal, and Rodrigo Marcia.

TMS Sailing Program

2010-02-22T15:25:00.001-08:00

On Saturday, February 20th, the Sausalito Yacht Club held its annual fundraiser to raise money for the sailing program it supports in local-area high schools.

For more information about The Marin School sailing team, please contact Jonah Weaver at 415-339-9336 ext. 110

Photo: TMS sailor Kai Peattie, far right, at the fundraiser, along with sailors from Tam High.