Based on the principle that most people, regardless of age, cannot effectively concentrate for an unbroken period of more than a couple of hours at most, the School's schedule endeavors never to have more than two class periods meet back-to-back during the day. So the two morning periods are followed by a change of pace in the form of 25-minute advisory/tutorial/clubs periods. The next 55-minute class is followed by lunch. After lunch three classes meet in succession -- and in order to keep that long stretch from becoming unproductive, the schedule inserts a 10-minute break (rather than the usual 5-minute passing period) before the last period of the day.
Students have voiced some dissatisfaction with that last break, wondering what it is for and why it keeps them from going home five minutes sooner, so newly elected president Noah Levenson initiated an official questionnaire, administered during advisory period with teachers' opinions included, in order accurately to gauge opinion on the matter. The administration is currently considering whether and how the results might be incorporated into school policy.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Oyster Conservation Pilot Program at TMS
The Watershed Project was back today (10/28) with part II of their program "Oysters on the Half Shell" that they are piloting at our school. The program aims to restore the native Olympia oyster population in the bay. Today the students learned about the oyster's life cycle and how they play an important role in the food web of the bay. Next stop will be the Marin Rod and Gun Club on 11/18 where we'll be counting and measuring baby oysters.
"Race to Nowhere" Director to Visit TMS
On Wednesday, November 10, we are presenting an evening with Vicki Abeles, Producer and Director of the film Race to Nowhere, a featured film at this year’s Mill Valley Film Festival. The screening of the film and discussion with Ms. Abeles is an extraordinary opportunity for our community, and we hope you will attend.
The important film documents an issue vital to the health and well-being of all our students – the stressful challenge of the college application process in America today. Unfortunately, this intense push to get into the best colleges often begins long before students even get to high school, and it has become increasingly more stressful as teens and parents compete with others to build a resume that includes not only the highest possible GPA (with honors classes, AP, high SAT’s and ACT’s, multiple extracurriculars, community service, internships, and on and on. And when do our kids get to be teens? When do they have time to enjoy their youth, socialize with their friends and family, have some fun, and simply get a good night’s sleep? When is enough, enough?
And how is this process working for our teens? Their physical and emotional health is being strongly compromised; they are suffering “burn-out” at higher levels than ever before; their fear of not getting into the “best” schools is creating a level of anxiety that is leading to depression and even worse.
And the truth is that all this stress, this added pressure is ineffective. Colleges have lowered their standards and report that the basic skills of incoming freshmen are so low that an alarming number of students must take remedial classes. And yet our fear, that of parents and educators, is that if we let up, if we reduce the pressure, we are somehow failing – our kids and ourselves.
Students in the film suggest this whole process is a “race to nowhere.” If this is true, then what are we going to do about it?
Comments from members of our community who saw the film recently at The Mill Valley Film Festival:
Diane Darrow, TMS Parent: The film posed the question "how are we teaching our children and why?" The disconnect between what it takes to be a top student and get into a "good" college versus the kind of work skills the 21st century now demands is widening. Time and again test scores and external forces seem to be directing our students' lives. It was clear from the movie that the present educational methods are not only stressful and disengaging but inappropriate for the real world they will face after college.
Molly Grey, TMS Student: The movie was not only inspiring, but it brought attention to a nationwide problem that high school students like me are going through. It gave hope and encouragement on what steps everyone can take to reduce the pressure. Vicki truly listened and honestly represented what teens, parents, and teachers are feeling.
Ashley Vidal, TMS Student: Colleges are always asking what are you interested in and what are you going to major in; when are we supposed to have time to even figure that out? I think it would benefit colleges if they just took out a calculator and use the addition button over and over again to add up all the hours they expect of us, so they could see how physically impossible it is. There just simply isn’t enough time in the day to actually do all they expect. The system sets impossible standards, and the beautiful thing about this film is that it captures that pressure perfectly. This movie reminded me how grateful I am to go to a school like TMS and my strong desire to help other people get to the same place we are.
As you can see, this is a film that we do not want to miss. Our student body will be seeing the film on the afternoon of the 10th.
I encourage all of you to attend and to bring friends who would also benefit from seeing this film. Seating will be limited, and we expect seats to fill quickly, so get your RSVP in as soon as possible. A $10 donation at the door will be appreciated and will help to cover the cost of this event. Please see attached Invitation.
A special thanks to Kieran Ridge, TMS teacher and Director of The Marin School’s Filmbridge program, for his commitment to bringing this film to our community.
-Barbara
The important film documents an issue vital to the health and well-being of all our students – the stressful challenge of the college application process in America today. Unfortunately, this intense push to get into the best colleges often begins long before students even get to high school, and it has become increasingly more stressful as teens and parents compete with others to build a resume that includes not only the highest possible GPA (with honors classes, AP, high SAT’s and ACT’s, multiple extracurriculars, community service, internships, and on and on. And when do our kids get to be teens? When do they have time to enjoy their youth, socialize with their friends and family, have some fun, and simply get a good night’s sleep? When is enough, enough?
And how is this process working for our teens? Their physical and emotional health is being strongly compromised; they are suffering “burn-out” at higher levels than ever before; their fear of not getting into the “best” schools is creating a level of anxiety that is leading to depression and even worse.
And the truth is that all this stress, this added pressure is ineffective. Colleges have lowered their standards and report that the basic skills of incoming freshmen are so low that an alarming number of students must take remedial classes. And yet our fear, that of parents and educators, is that if we let up, if we reduce the pressure, we are somehow failing – our kids and ourselves.
Students in the film suggest this whole process is a “race to nowhere.” If this is true, then what are we going to do about it?
Comments from members of our community who saw the film recently at The Mill Valley Film Festival:
Diane Darrow, TMS Parent: The film posed the question "how are we teaching our children and why?" The disconnect between what it takes to be a top student and get into a "good" college versus the kind of work skills the 21st century now demands is widening. Time and again test scores and external forces seem to be directing our students' lives. It was clear from the movie that the present educational methods are not only stressful and disengaging but inappropriate for the real world they will face after college.
Molly Grey, TMS Student: The movie was not only inspiring, but it brought attention to a nationwide problem that high school students like me are going through. It gave hope and encouragement on what steps everyone can take to reduce the pressure. Vicki truly listened and honestly represented what teens, parents, and teachers are feeling.
Ashley Vidal, TMS Student: Colleges are always asking what are you interested in and what are you going to major in; when are we supposed to have time to even figure that out? I think it would benefit colleges if they just took out a calculator and use the addition button over and over again to add up all the hours they expect of us, so they could see how physically impossible it is. There just simply isn’t enough time in the day to actually do all they expect. The system sets impossible standards, and the beautiful thing about this film is that it captures that pressure perfectly. This movie reminded me how grateful I am to go to a school like TMS and my strong desire to help other people get to the same place we are.
As you can see, this is a film that we do not want to miss. Our student body will be seeing the film on the afternoon of the 10th.
I encourage all of you to attend and to bring friends who would also benefit from seeing this film. Seating will be limited, and we expect seats to fill quickly, so get your RSVP in as soon as possible. A $10 donation at the door will be appreciated and will help to cover the cost of this event. Please see attached Invitation.
A special thanks to Kieran Ridge, TMS teacher and Director of The Marin School’s Filmbridge program, for his commitment to bringing this film to our community.
-Barbara
Monday, October 26, 2009
Nighthawk Soccer Finishes the Season Strong
TMS' most successful soccer season in years drew to a close at the Small Schools Bridge League championship tournament last weekend. The Nighthawks defeated their first opponent, Orinda Academy, but lost in the final to Hanna Boys' Center. Over two months of play, the TMS team worked hard to improve their skills and teamwork -- with great results.
New Student Council President Elected
Last week 90% of students cast votes in the election for Student Council president. Four fine candidates competed for the job, but it was senior Noah Levenson who won a clear majority of the votes. Noah quickly sprang into action, establishing a community-service program to transfer leftover bagels each day from The Bagel Shop, a popular student destination next door to the school, to Women For Helping All People in Marin City. The program is set to get off the ground today. Congratulations to Noah!
Noah is pictured above with the TMS soccer team and the coach's baby at a recent tournament.
Climate Change Presentation at TMS
A representative from the Alliance for Climate Education visited The Marin School today to discuss climate change. He challenged students to take action and to create a group within the school to lead the way.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
College Planning for the Week of 10/26
IMPORTANT INFO FOR JUNIORS
College Night for Juniors and Parents - Choose the date you want to attend - either Wednesday November 4th at 7:00 or Thursday November 5th at 7:00 in the Hawk's Nest. The agenda will include all the must-know information for juniors launching the college planning process. We'll talk about testing, characteristics of colleges, types of colleges, how to search for colleges and when to visit colleges. Juniors are expected to attend one of the evenings.
FOR EVERYONE
Colleges Visiting TMS: A full list of the colleges currently scheduled to visit as well as a list of a few Open House events and local information sessions are posted on the Family Connection site. Here are the colleges scheduled to visit us in the next two weeks. Please add your name to the sign up sheet on my door and get the permission of your teacher to attend.
* Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising - Monday 10/26 at 11:45
* Goucher College - Wednesday 10/28 at 10:15
* Chapman University - Thursday 10/29 at 12:00
* McDaniel College - Monday 11/2 at 8:30
* University of Oregon - Wednesday 11/4 at 10:15
College of the Week - One of the few College That Change Lives colleges located in a metropolitan area, Goucher College (pronounced "Gowcher") has made its mark with an emphasis on foreign study and the strength of its internship program, both of which are required. Faculty is focused on teaching undergraduates rather than on research and Goucher students rave about their professors. Located in Baltimore, Maryland (and not far from Washington D.C.), this small liberal arts college with 2362 students is a real gem!
Do you know? - There is no shortage of traditions on college campuses and Halloween brings out the best in them. UC San Diego is no exception. UCSD is divided into smaller residential colleges and Muir College's oldest tradition is a smash hit. Students drop a 300- to 400-pound pumpkin (named and stuffed with candy) from the top of 11-story Tioga residence hall. A Halloween carnival is coordinated around the event.
My Schedule this Week - I'll be on campus Monday 9-4:30, Wednesday 9-4 and Thursday 9-4:00.
FOR SENIORS
"Senior year grades don't count" - Think that's true? Guess again! Many colleges ask to see your grades for the fall semester of senior year and use this information in making their admission decision. In addition, after you graduate in June, we send your final transcript to the college where you have enrolled. If your senior year grades have taken a dive, the college may withdraw their offer of admission. Each year UC campuses rescind offers to hundreds of students who thought that "senior year grades don't count".
Transcripts and Recommendations - The bright blue form is due this week (Nick, Alex C, Jordan, Kevin, Ryan H, Dustin, Ryan K, Noah, Tali, Kaya, Katie, Ashley and Mara are on my mind...). If you don't have one, see me ASAP. If you need recommendations from teachers ...
1. you should speak to the teacher(s) you'd like to write for you ASAP. Then.......
2. complete the "Request for Teacher Recommendation" form for each teacher and give the completed form to the teacher. The form is available in the document library on Family Connection.
3. The next step is to complete the bright blue " Request for Application Components", which is due to me three weeks before your first deadline but in all cases by 11/1.
Confused? See me and we'll work it through!
UC and CSU Application Deadlines are 11/30 - Just a reminder to keep slugging through these applications. You should submit your applications as soon as you are finished with them.
Application Help on Wednesday 2:35-4:00 - I'll bring some food, you bring your college stuff and we'll work on whatever is your top priority. Don't know what to do first? No problem - we'll figure it out.
SAT/ACT Registration Deadlines - If you need to take or retake the SAT, SAT Subject Tests or ACT this fall, the registration deadlines are approaching. The regular registration deadline for the December 5th SAT or SAT Subject Tests is October 30th. To register go to wwwcollegeboard.com. The regular registration deadline for the December 12th ACT is 11/6 and you can register at www.actstudent.org.
Applying for Financial Aid? The first step in the financial aid process is for the student and parents to apply for a PIN (that's personal identification number). You can do this now at http://www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp. For more information about financial aid, visit How Stuff Works or the federal student aid site.
Susan
--
Susan Gotshall-Maxon
College Counselor
College Night for Juniors and Parents - Choose the date you want to attend - either Wednesday November 4th at 7:00 or Thursday November 5th at 7:00 in the Hawk's Nest. The agenda will include all the must-know information for juniors launching the college planning process. We'll talk about testing, characteristics of colleges, types of colleges, how to search for colleges and when to visit colleges. Juniors are expected to attend one of the evenings.
FOR EVERYONE
Colleges Visiting TMS: A full list of the colleges currently scheduled to visit as well as a list of a few Open House events and local information sessions are posted on the Family Connection site. Here are the colleges scheduled to visit us in the next two weeks. Please add your name to the sign up sheet on my door and get the permission of your teacher to attend.
* Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising - Monday 10/26 at 11:45
* Goucher College - Wednesday 10/28 at 10:15
* Chapman University - Thursday 10/29 at 12:00
* McDaniel College - Monday 11/2 at 8:30
* University of Oregon - Wednesday 11/4 at 10:15
College of the Week - One of the few College That Change Lives colleges located in a metropolitan area, Goucher College (pronounced "Gowcher") has made its mark with an emphasis on foreign study and the strength of its internship program, both of which are required. Faculty is focused on teaching undergraduates rather than on research and Goucher students rave about their professors. Located in Baltimore, Maryland (and not far from Washington D.C.), this small liberal arts college with 2362 students is a real gem!
Do you know? - There is no shortage of traditions on college campuses and Halloween brings out the best in them. UC San Diego is no exception. UCSD is divided into smaller residential colleges and Muir College's oldest tradition is a smash hit. Students drop a 300- to 400-pound pumpkin (named and stuffed with candy) from the top of 11-story Tioga residence hall. A Halloween carnival is coordinated around the event.
My Schedule this Week - I'll be on campus Monday 9-4:30, Wednesday 9-4 and Thursday 9-4:00.
FOR SENIORS
"Senior year grades don't count" - Think that's true? Guess again! Many colleges ask to see your grades for the fall semester of senior year and use this information in making their admission decision. In addition, after you graduate in June, we send your final transcript to the college where you have enrolled. If your senior year grades have taken a dive, the college may withdraw their offer of admission. Each year UC campuses rescind offers to hundreds of students who thought that "senior year grades don't count".
Transcripts and Recommendations - The bright blue form is due this week (Nick, Alex C, Jordan, Kevin, Ryan H, Dustin, Ryan K, Noah, Tali, Kaya, Katie, Ashley and Mara are on my mind...). If you don't have one, see me ASAP. If you need recommendations from teachers ...
1. you should speak to the teacher(s) you'd like to write for you ASAP. Then.......
2. complete the "Request for Teacher Recommendation" form for each teacher and give the completed form to the teacher. The form is available in the document library on Family Connection.
3. The next step is to complete the bright blue " Request for Application Components", which is due to me three weeks before your first deadline but in all cases by 11/1.
Confused? See me and we'll work it through!
UC and CSU Application Deadlines are 11/30 - Just a reminder to keep slugging through these applications. You should submit your applications as soon as you are finished with them.
Application Help on Wednesday 2:35-4:00 - I'll bring some food, you bring your college stuff and we'll work on whatever is your top priority. Don't know what to do first? No problem - we'll figure it out.
SAT/ACT Registration Deadlines - If you need to take or retake the SAT, SAT Subject Tests or ACT this fall, the registration deadlines are approaching. The regular registration deadline for the December 5th SAT or SAT Subject Tests is October 30th. To register go to wwwcollegeboard.com. The regular registration deadline for the December 12th ACT is 11/6 and you can register at www.actstudent.org.
Applying for Financial Aid? The first step in the financial aid process is for the student and parents to apply for a PIN (that's personal identification number). You can do this now at http://www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp. For more information about financial aid, visit How Stuff Works or the federal student aid site.
Susan
--
Susan Gotshall-Maxon
College Counselor
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