Many of you have already heard from grateful colleagues who accompanied David Markus and Owen Bryant on June’s inaugural Civil Rights Tour for DA faculty. Dennis Cullen, Julian Cochran, Asta Smith, Eric and Barb Teagarden, and Jim Ebert represented the Upper School. As Dennis put it, "The Civil Rights Tour was one of the most profoundly moving and enriching experiences I’ve had in the last twenty years.” To find out why, check out David’s website recap at http://academics.da.org/dmarkus/civilrightshome.htm.
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On Sunday, July 30, Rising sophomore Deniz Aydemir will play in a cello ensemble for a concert to benefit the New Orleans Youth Orchestra. For more on the concert, see: http://www.chapelhillnews.com/weekend/story/2978526p-9409377c.html
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As you may remember, Christina Bronec sold more than $10,000 worth of Natalia Castillo-designed dresses to support DA’s fledgling chapter of Breakthrough Durham. Next Saturday (August 5), DA and Duke student organizers of the program will have a follow-up sale on the lawn at Foster’s Market in Durham. The sale will last from 9 am – 2 pm. They’d love to have a few adult volunteers (and customers!) to join them. Interested? Email Ali Dame-Boyle (afdameboyle@hotmail.com) or Amanda Dorsey (amanda.dorsey@duke.edu)
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Leadership: What Ethics Has To Teach Us -- A High School Student Conference presented by The North Carolina School of Science & Mathematics. Friday, November 17th, 2006 (8 – 2:30 pm). No cost. This conference is designed to stimulate future leaders to consider the moral and ethical implications of 21st Century issues.
This year’s plenary address will be given by Timothy Tyson, Ph.D., Visiting Professor of American Christianity and Southern Culture, Duke Divinity School / Senior Research Scholar, Center for Documentary Studies and author of Blood Done Sign My Name. Interested? Email Eric.
August 20
Sophomore Sarah Sessoms might be the best DA athlete we never see compete. Like Anna Cooperberg, Sarah gets few local opportunities to show her skills to peers and teachers. Nonetheless, she has a chance this weekend in Louisville to win her event at the World’s Championship Horse Show. To read more about the event, go to www.tnh1865.com or http://kystatefair.org/wchs/wchshome.htm. To track Sarah’s progress, look for a mare named “CH Assets & Attitude,” showing in the Junior Exhibitor 5 Gaited Pleasure Class on Monday Afternoon. (Class Number 32) and in the Junior Exhibitor 5 Gaited Pleasure Championship on Friday afternoon. (Class Number 185). Giddyup!
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Advisors and others curious about self-defense and martial arts – Read this news from Melody Clark: “You may or may not know, that I am trying to start a tae kwon do (p.e. elective) class at the Upper School whereby students will have the opportunity to move up in rank and actually earn a black belt if they start no later than the first semester of their sophomore year. However Jrs and Srs would be able to advance in rank, too. These classes are also available to any teacher who is free during the class time and would like to work toward a black belt.
The program description did not make it into the Spring schedule when the students were signing up for the Fall classes so many students are unaware of this opportunity. It's my understanding that this class will meet 3 times per week. When you are meeting with your students during the next couple of weeks, or before the drop/add period ends, will you please mention the availability of this class. The new DA Tae Kwon Do uniform (required for class) is hanging in the book store for display. Thank you. Please call me if you have any questions.
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A DA parent forwarded this short slide show: http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/wp-content/themes/179/aschool.html. Jordan sent this video: http://www.glumbert.com/media/okgo.html. At least one of the two will inspire you.
August 27
For the third consecutive year, sophomore Sarah Sessoms → won her division at the World’s Championship Equestrian competition in Louisville.
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Even more impressively, Senior John Pardon recently finished 5th in the International Olympiad for Informatics (computer science). John finished behind students from Poland, Korea, Russia, and China. The next highest American was 37th. This means our own John Pardon is the country’s best computer programmer. Wow. See
more at http://olympiads.win.tue.nl/ioi/
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As you’ve no doubt heard, DA students do some incredible things over the summer. This week I’ll highlight three travel/study experiences. Next week, with your help, I’d like to highlight a few students who found volunteering jobs in the Triangle. Please send me any news of your advisees and any inspiring/interesting/ notable summer experiences. It’s too early to apply for any summer programs, but the time is ripe to let students cross fertilize their imaginations with stories of summer learning.
• Terry Hsieh spent 28 days in Shanghai with “Glimpses of China,” a unique program designed by U.S. educators and university professors from China and Hong Kong. To see a good picture of Terry and some new female friends, open the enclosed weekly update. For more info on “Glimpses of China,” go to http://www.foundationprograms.com/.
• Nell Snider, recipient of the first DA Broadreach summer scholarship, is brimming with excitement and gratitude for her opportunities in Mexico this summer. Ask Nell to tell you some stories, or learn about Broadreach at http://www.gobroadreach.com/.
• Sam Mumma and Julianne Hoell attended the Summer Academy at Cape Town (South Africa), a 3-week school for students from around the world. They studied African history, culture, and language, and did substantial community service in townships. Sam went on a significant scholarship from the program. Julianne returned eager to start a DA club dedicated to ending genocide in Darfur. Find out more at http://www.summeracademyct.com/program.asp
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On August 4, Junior Catherine Donatucci fell 20 feet onto rocks while playing/swimming at a rock quarry. In addition to a major head trauma, she required surgery to repair a broken elbow and did significant muscular damage to her hip. You may have noticed Catherine limping through the first days of school. You may not know that her friends provided extraordinary support during the last month, keeping her spirits positive as she moved from an extended hospital stay to home, began physical therapy, and felt awkward about returning to school with a cane. Catherine’s mother Sharon (who worked for two years as the US Parents Association rep), sent the following note, thanking Kari for her efforts to smooth Catherine’s path back, and lauding some of our students for their compassion:
Nicole Pappas, Hilary Gleason, & Julia Shulman came to the hospital & just sat with her for hours & would also get her "real food" when the hospital fare didn't appeal to Catherine; they continued to come by when she came home, again to "feed her", just watch a movie, & even to sleep on my family room floor & couches one night when they all stayed past 9 (the witching hour for new drivers). Kate Neyland & Leslie Ogden also came by, both to the hospital & at home. Leslie took her out to eat for her first excursion, other than to Duke for appts. Brennan came by & brought Fosters one evening; Chris Koller came by with cookies; Julie Mc Cracken, Sam Reuss, & Laurie Pope all stopped in with cookies & giggles. The Field Hockey team came by with a Build a Bear, complete with cast & sling and Judy has given her a place on the team. Caitlin Crawford has been to see Catherine in the hospital & at home. There have been so many angels & acts of kindness these last few weeks & since most were her mates at DA, I just wanted you to know how wonderful they have been.
September 2
As happened last year, Becky and I heard lots of positive feedback regarding the fishbowl discussions that 9th graders and their parents did as part of the orientation week. Here’s one email from Lauren Stephens, mom of Alex and Katie Hearsey: “We would be remiss if we didn't drop you a note to tell you what a terrific program you and the Wellness Committee sponsored for the freshman and their parents today. . . . we're writing to let you know the real impact and benefit that the program had: From the time Kathy, Katie & I got in the car together after school, and all the way through dinner (with a brief respite for homework and other chores), we had the richest, most lively, and thought-provoking discussion we have had with Katie in a long time. She openly shared her opinions with us on some of the issues raised today, and we listened and shared ours. We asked her what she thought she would do if she were the parent, and she challenged us to see her point of view. Today's session served as a wonderful springboard to have one of those tough discussions that a parent always tries to find the "right time" to have with their child. Today's program gave us that "right time." It also helped us look into her world and see issues and dilemmas from her perspective. It truly provided us with an enriching opportunity to share our own and listen to her point of view. She hardly took a breath (except to listen), so we know she was thoroughly engaged, too.”
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Last spring, Anne Gregory-Bepler’s 3-D art class collaborated on an outdoor sculpture for the NC Museum of Life and Science. Their elaborate wind chimes, ← pictured here, offer a nice example of
creative service-learning and a lasting
contribution to the Museum. Brava, AG-B and your class!
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While packing my children’s lunches at night, I’ve been listening to podcasts on my laptop. These are free and (duh, I just figured this out) don’t require an iPod. Two speakers in particular have sparked all kinds of thoughts and emotions. Marco Torres and Alan November have made me feel at once totally inadquate as a teacher and thoroughly inspired to rethink some of my assumptions about teaching and learning.
Marco Torres is the California Teacher of the Year in 2005 and an internationally touted speaker. Torres is an advocate for students using multimedia as a way to liberate themselves.
• Here's an inspiring speech he delivered in May 2006.
• Here are some more links about Marco Torres
Alan November is recognized internationally as a leader in education technology. He began his career as an oceanography teacher and dorm counselor at an island reform school for boys in Boston Harbor. He has been a director of an alternative high school, computer coordinator, technology consultant, and university lecturer. As practitioner, designer, and author, Alan has guided schools, government organizations and industry leaders as they plan to improve quality with technology.
• Here's a speech he delivered to teachers and administrators in Michigan. (fast forward through the painful introductions and get right to Alan)
• Here’s Alan November’s website, source of the bio above and home to many interesting resources.
September 24
Q. Whatever happened to Breakthrough Durham? A. Lots.
Since Duke Junior Dan Kimberg came to report on the program at our faculty meeting last spring, the Duke and UNC student team has been working steadily with Ed, Leslie, Bela, Bobbie, me, and a great team of DA students (Ali Dame-Boyle, Brooke Hartley, Andrew Leibelt, Michelle Collins, Deniz Aydemir, and more). Here’s what they’ve done so far:
• Raised more than $12,000 through Christina Bronec’s Senior Project sale of Natalia Castillo dresses.
• Secured a $50,000 matching grant from the Robertson Foundation (we raise $50k, they give $50k.)
• Decided not to affiliate with national Breakthrough Collaborative. Primary reasons: 1) Breakthrough requires national teacher recruitment, which would limit local teachers and DA grads, 2) We can home-grow many of the technical and programming resources provided (for a $5k annual membership fee) by the national group.
• (As consequent of above), changed name to STUDENT U.. Motto: “Where teachers are students and students are teachers.” (brainstormed and selected by DA student team)
• Created a web site (http://studentu.da.org), designed by DA sophomore Deniz Aydemir.
• Completed grant proposals for more than $60,000 from 6 foundations: Today they heard one bit of encouraging news: a $3000 grant from the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation!
• Created partnerships with several Duke funding organizations and non-profits, who have identified STUDENT U. as primary recipients for their 06-07 fundraising (a la DA rent-a-junior)
• Began establishing a Board of Directors. Already committed as Chair through 2007: Duke Professor Tony Brown, initial service-learning catalyst for DA’s “Elbow” breakfast club and SOCK camp.
• Garnered support from other community leaders, including
- DPS Board Members Steve Schewell and Heidi Carter, who have already committed to funding the food for STUDENT U. and begun identifyng schools for student and mentor teacher recruitment.
- UNC’s Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, Terri Houston,
- Duke’s Director of Teacher Preparation Jan Riggsbee, who has already committed 2 days pro bono STUDENT U. faculty training in June.
- Jay Rogers (Durham native, national Teacher of the Year, Phillips Academy retiree and DA diversity consultant).
• Identified start and finish dates for the STUDENT U. pilot program in the summer of 07 (teachers begin on June 11 and work through August 3, students begin June 18 and finish July 27).
• With DA students, staffed a table at last weekend’s Centerfest: Made 20 great new contacts, added 100 more on our email list, and distributed about 1000 flyers.
• Dresses: Amanda has contacted the DA/ Duke student organizer (sorry that name's escaping) to see if she's interested in organizing a final sale. Because they are (leftover) summer clothes, we're worried that a sale won't be very successful, but want at least to see if there is a willing, motivated organizer out there. If not, we plan to take the clothes in bunches around to consignment shops, but hadn't thught about eBay. We should...and we'll work fast.
• Began curriculum design with DPS officials and Adam Short, former Director of Ravenscroft’s Breakthrough Program.
Wanna get involved? Email me to hear about several ways (with widely varying levels of commitment) that US teachers can share in this exciting project.
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DA Debate is off and running again. Last weekend the team competed in its first national circuit tournament at Wake Forest University. Evan Donahue won 1st in impromptu, 6th in extemp among more than 50 competitors in each event. Grace Wallack and Dede Pless finished 9th in public forum in a large national field. Patrick Toomey and Katherine Buse would also have been in the top 10 -- and maybe higher -- in public forum, but for a scoring error. Michael Roubey nearly qualified for the elimination rounds in impromptu, Jim Mallernee did very well in student congress, and Alex Hunt successfully got DA started in original oratory. For more info now or any time, see the DA Speech and Debate web page: http://academics.da.org/debate/.
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Every year year several new extracurricular clubs are born at the Upper School. Some thrive and survive for years, some hobble along until the founders graduate, and some collapse soon after the club fair. I thought you might like to hear about one of this year’s new clubs, Patriots for Peace. Whatever your political opinions, you can likely applaud the maturity and intellect with which seniors Harry and Adam have launched their effort. The following are excerpts from their first mass-emailed newsletter:
Hello everyone, welcome to the first issue of the Patriots for Peace email newsletter. We plan to send this out every 1-2 weeks as a collection of relevant news stories and commentary that we hope will be subject for discussion. If you would like to contribute to this newsletter, or talk about anything related to the topics brought up, feel free to email Harry Stark ( harrison.stark@gmail.com) or Adam Marshall (viperphantom@gmail.com ), or come talk to us at school. We will be planning some meetings, movie nights, protests, etc, and we'll let you know when those happen.
The following is an editorial; one will accompany every newsletter. Please feel free to submit your own articles to Harry or Adam, and they will be included in the following issues!
An Immoral War
by Adam Marshall ‘07
Last week former Secretary of State Colin Powell sent a letter to Congress with a clear message: "The world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism." Let us compare that with an excerpt from Mr. Bush's address to the nation on the fifth anniversary of September 11: "We are in a war that will set the course for this new century and determine the destiny of millions across the world…This struggle has been called a clash of civilizations. In truth, it is a struggle for civilization. We are fighting to maintain the way of life enjoyed by free nations." The juxtaposition of these two powerful theses clearly demonstrates the schism forming between the Bush administration and the rest of the world—the corruption of the United State's morality. The current administration cannot continue its policy of morality by assertion; repeating the same argument does not validate it. A recognition of what the War on Terror has become is essential if our nation is ever to reassert itself on a global scale. This war has become devoid of logic, purpose, and above all, morality, and if our President fails to acknowledge this, we will find ourselves in a struggle for the existence of our civilization, as defenders of an unjust and immoral war against the world.
The genesis of the current "War on Terror" was obviously September 11. Once we expanded our military campaign beyond addressing those responsible however, the US began sliding down a slippery slope into Iraq. The undermining of our morality began when Mr. Bush addressed the UN Security Council, promising that Saddam was seeking nuclear material, that he had stockpiles of biological weapons, and above all that it posed a threat to the United States. These were blatant lies. There were no WMDs, a fact told to the administration by the State Department many times over. Nonetheless, the United States proceeded to defy both UN resolutions and world opinion, and launch the first preemptive invasion in our country's history. This continued corruption of our moral position further weakened our status as the world's scion of justice and good, widening the gap between our actions and our obligation as the protector of world peace.
The moral quagmire continues to deepen: we now face an escalation of death and destruction in Iraq that worsens every day. 2,685+ dead American soldiers. 50,000+ innocent Iraqi civilian deaths. The numbers are staggering. To add insult to injury, we are now responsible for injustices such as Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo Bay, and the CIA torture facilities in Eastern Europe. Now, the President wishes Congress to reinterpret the Geneva Convention to suit his own purposes, saying that "clarification" is essential for our military personnel. If this were to occur, it would open the door for any country with an agenda to also reinterpret the Convention for their benefit. We must be held accountable to international law, not just when it aligns with our goals, but to reemerge as a leader of justice in the international community. To do so otherwise would jeopardize the very principles our nation was founded on, and betray those who have fought and died to protect our way of life.
So in remembering September 11, let us not listen to a leader who warns us of the necessity to continue fighting "Islamofascists", but rather listen to the moral values that have guided our nation to its place in the world as the leader of truth, justice, and defenders of the common good, and may we never again forget what happens when we stray from them.
October 2
Young debators take torch and run – At the Indepdendence High School Novice/JV tournament last weekend, 9th grader Megan Mikhail was undefeated and won 1st among more than 30 novice Lincoln-Douglas debaters. Josh Zoffer and Mackin Brinegar were undefeated and finished 2nd among 43 novice public forum debate teams. Caitlin Finn and Berie Baldwin took 3rd in duo interpretation, the first time DA has trophied in an interp event. Robert Kindman took 3rd in novice impromptu. Michael Roubey took double honors, 3rd in JV impromptu and 4th in JV extemp. Also noteworthy: Meredith Berger went 3-1 in novice L-D, and Jennifer McMorrow and Michelle Corea both finished with extremely high speaker points and could easily have trophied. Cliff Drake and Alex Holloway went 3-1 in novice public
forum, narrowly missing an award. [Report from Jeff Welty on http://academics.da.org/debate/].
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DA alumnus Aaron Zaritzky, ‘96, translator of Probable Lives, a collection of poems by Felipe Benitez Reyes, will read selections and talk about the poetry at Regulator Bookshop on Saturday, October 14, 2006 at 3 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
From the Regulator’s press release: Felipe Benitez Reyes is considered one of the primary figures of Spain's literary Generation X and the contemporary Spanish movement called The Poetry of Experience. One of the most significant contributors to the Spanish postmodern esthetic, his work speaks to issues of voice, persona, and the possibilities of fiction. Probable Lives, his most highly acclaimed book, won the 1996 National Book Award in Spain, the 1996 National Critics' Award in Spain, and the City of Melilla International Prize.
Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, translator Aaron Zaritzky graduated from Durham Academy and the Creative Writing Workshop at Oberlin College in 2000. He completed a Masters of Fine Arts in Poetry from the University of Arizona in 2004. He has taught Spanish language at the high school level and worked as a language instructor for the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at the University of Arizona. The Kennedy Center and Nobel Prize finalist Miguel Mendez have commissioned him to translate
October 15
Diversity discussions continue Monday, Wednesday, and the following Wednesday. After her session on Friday, Anne G-B nicely captured the sentiments I heard from several US teachers who were pleasantly surprised by this week’s discussions:
“Thank you, Torsie, for the insightful, engaging session this morning . . . I left feeling stimulated and hungry for more and asking myself why I have not engaged in diversity conferences outside of DA or club activities within DA. I think I have felt very insecure and introverted on the topic, yet committed and caring in a personal, quiet way--just not comfortable what to do. Torsie, this morning you very sensitively opened a dialogue of sharing, teaching and safety that meant so much to me. I also know that often when I feel uncomfortable, unsure or insecure about an issue, it opens the door for change, learning and sometimes painful but important growth. Thank you for teaching by example, with empathy, tremendous skill and huge commitment (time, work, heart, etc.).”
October 29
From LS Director Carolyn Ronco: “Thank you so much for the great show of support for our LS Costume Parade today. The US students who came to participate were so warm and encouraging, and the children loved getting to parade for such a large gathering. Mike, the band was awesome and really set the mood and spirit for our Halloween festivities. Thank you so much for your willingness to come to us. I know it must have been a bit of a pain to bring your instruments, etc. to our site. We loved having you, however, and we really appreciated your effort. Please convey our thanks and gratitude to your students and faculty.”
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Some of you remember Karen Vandersea, who taught math and Spanish with us from 1998-2000. Karen left to work with a college classmate who was founding a web-based math instruction company. Well, Karen is still there, and Classmate Math has been extraordinarily successful. Karen remains the featured math teacher on their web videos and the voice behind their animated lessons.
To check out this former colleague’s new job, and to see a burgeoning growth industry that one day may compete with traditional schools like ours, check out http://www.classmatemath.com/ or go to http://www.classmatemath.com/products.php# and "Click here for a guided tour of an online Geometry lesson" if you want to see how a typical lesson works.
If you want to see a really revolutionary (scary/inspiring/bold) idea, check out http://epgy.stanford.edu/ohs/ for information about the 3-year comprehensive online high school offered by another one of those rinky-dink educational companies . . . . Stanford University.
November 5
Senior hoopster Evan Fjeld will sign his national letter of intent for the University of Vermont at 12:30 on Thursday (11/9) in the US conference room. If you’ve taught or cheered for Evan, come join the press and the fun. If you’d like to see the story of his initial commitment in the Burlington Free Press, click here.
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From Barbara Potter, parent-of-alumni Matt and Chris: “On Tuesday evenings in the spring, Blood Done Sign My Name author Tim Tyson will be teaching a Duke undergradute class that might be of interest to some DA faculty and staff. It's entitled "The South in Black and White: Southern History, Culture, and Politics in the 20th Century." You can take a look at the course information at the following webpage: http://www.siss.duke.edu/schedule/1190/DOCST/132/”
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Jim and Edith recently passed along engaging video clips. One (video) is a wonderful gift for parents, teachers, or advisors of girls. The other is an epic adventure portrayed by talking vegetables. I am not kidding. Both are worth your time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud0kw8x9PRg
http://www.storewars.org/flash/index.html
November 12
DA Debate Team update from Jeff Welty: “With most of the varsity taking this East Chapel Hill High School tournament off, the novices carried the load: Josh Zoffer and Tristan Bepler, 1st in novice public forum; Caroline Buse and Jim Mallerney, 6th in novice public forum; Meredith Burger, 6th in novice L-D. Grizzled veteran Alex Hunt, 6th in original oratory, took the first DA trophy in that event in recorded history.
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Is senior Alec Grubbs the next great DA entrepreneur? Since last summer, Alec has been working on a concept that could revolutionize drive-through food ordering. Called MITYOP (May I Take Your Order Please?), the project is slowly coming to life with the help of his father and a professor at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler School of Business. The beginning of Alec’s paper is below, the remainder attached.
• What other examples of student ingenuity are out there?
• How can we encourage other students to think creatively and follow through with their ideas?
• What structures might we put in place to fertilize and nurture this kind of entrepreneurialism?
• Can I get fries with that?
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Have You Ever Ordered This: Through This: And Gotten This?
These are the opening slides of the PowerPoint presentation I used to pitch my invention in front of the second-year MBA students in the UNC Business Plan Creation class (MBA846F). The professor of the course was willing to take a risk on me, a high school senior. He said that if the students selected my idea in the open competition, I could take the course. This was easy for me, as I love public speaking and this was the best way for me to make a good impression. [full paper attached]
November 19
The ongoing conversation about Young Life has churned up all kinds of ideas. Below is another that seems worth sharing. It comes from Pamela Ransahoff, mother of senior Sarah and recent alumna Nan, now a sophomore at Harvard.
I love DA. I wanted to remind you of that. DA is made up of a vast variety of people and teachers who come into this life with different gifts and hearts full of love and dedication. The teachers and staff at DA have blessed us and our kids and I am very grateful for that. Their hearts are right. All of our hearts are hearts that, I believe, want to love and give to others even if it is done differently. I thank you for the hard hard work that each day you dedicate to our school.
Now, a little something to share: As Sarah is coming out of swimming as you know. It has been almost 8 months now. David and I have seen the most extraordinary growth. Now that her body is not exhausted, not overworked and her time is no longer squeezed with 35 hours per week of swimming (totaling over 7,800 hours at the time she stopped) she has time to step into parts of who she is that could not be done before and notice what is around her. I have noticed how much she loves the community of DA --grilling on Senior/teacher day, helping paint the Commons, embracing the breakfast club, loving Student Council, having fun with the yearbook , time to go talk to teachers about questions etc. real real growth in all directions. And this is what I want you to hear: it might seem simple to you but it is HUGE to us. And she has NEVER said this the simple but passionate way she did. David said, to Sarah, "Sarah, Mom and I have noticed how much you love community. How important the community of DA is now that you have time . You seem to be embracing the DA community and enjoy being involved in so many ways." She turned around as she was cooking in the kitchen and said, "I love DA and I love the community. I think people do not understand just how AWESOME Durham Academy is. They just do not get it. It is awesome. "
That was it. Simple but from a place deep inside. I thought you should hear that. I thought you should hear about how much you are appreciated for all the hard work you do to dedicate yourself to our children. I thought you should hear how valuable the community is at Durham Academy. Have a wonderful blessed day and a blessed week!
Love, Pamela
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Last Sunday, the Durham Art Guild opened its 52nd annual Juried Art Show at the Durham Arts Council Gallery downtown. Each year, submissions are invited from all North Carolina artists over 18 years of age. This year, senior Maddy Baldwin (whom Anne G-B calls “the most talented student I’ve ever taught at DA”) had not one but THREE of her works accepted into the Show. To see Maddy’s among the other selected works, go before December 17 to the DAC gallery at 120 Morris Street, Monday-Saturday, 9-9 or Sunday, 1-6. Congratulations, Maddy and Anne!
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Next Friday and Saturday, new coach Tim McKenna will lead the DA boys varsity basketball team into one of the top tournaments in the country. This year’s 10th annual Bull City Classic tournament features more than 80 Division 1 prospects and nationally ranked teams playing in ten four-team brackets: 28 boys teams and 12 girls teams. Evan Fjeld, Jamie Gutter, Cam Chambers, Torre Anderson, Seve Hoekstra and the Cavs will face Mt. Tabor High School at 10 am Friday at NCCU. If they win, they’ll play at 5:20 on Saturday at NCCU. If they lose, they’ll play at 2:15 Saturday at Hillside High School. Also in our bracket: Hillside and Mt. Zion’s varsity. For those alarmed by the sight of Mt. Zion (a school that counts more than 50 Division 1 basketball players among its alumni), it’s worth noting that we’re playing their “varsity” team, not their better “national” team or their even better “Prep” team. For more info on the tournament, check out http://www.bullcityclassic.com. If you happen to be in town this weekend and want to see some great competition, come cheer on the Cavs!
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Clare Norwood (DA 2000), sister of Aubin/Lloyd and Hollin, has curated one of her first exhibitions at Cincinnati’s Contemporary Arts Center (housed in a building called by the New York Times, “the most important building to be completed since the end of the Cold War.” Experimental Personalities: Kate Gilmore and Angie Reed. features video and performance work that investigates the notion of the self. Angie Reed’s punk-cabaret shows and Kate Gilmore’s dramatizations push the limits of the individual through humor and absurdity. To read more about the exhibition, click here.
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Geoff Harpham, Director of the National Humanities Center and father of John Harpham (DA ’06) wrote recently to DA Board Chair Rich Preyer, sharing a happy update and a grateful message for our faculty: “John had the best possible experience at DA, and now, it seems, he’s having the best possible experience at Duke. This weekend, he was on a trip with the club baseball team; on Monday, he went to Cameron; and last night he had dinner with David Brooks. He’s thrilled about the courses he’s enrolled in this semester and next. But he says he doesn’t get the same kind of attention paid to his papers as he did last year. I point out that his teachers were heroic last year, and he will never have that again.”
November 25
On Monday Junior Leslie Ogden will invite students to visit the US web site and write a postcard to a member of the U.S. armed services in Iraq. From the website of the cooperating organization: “The mission of Let's Say Thanks is to provide a way for individuals across the country to recognize U.S. troops stationed overseas. By submitting a message through this site you have the opportunity to send a free personalized postcard greeting to deployed servicemen and women.All you have to do is click on your favorite design and either select the message that best expresses your sentiment or draft a personal note. The postcards are then printed and mailed in care packages by military support organization Give2TheTroops®.”
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DA’s debating rookies did well last weekend at Asheville High School - Caitlin Finn and Mackin Brinegar took 2nd in novice public forum in Caitlin's PF debut. Josh Zoffer and Tristan Bepler continued their unbroken trophy streak by placing 3rd in novice public forum. Robert Kindman took 7th in varsity extemp in a large field. And Michelle Corea went 2-2 in novice L-D. For complete schedules, results, and pictures like this one →
, see the DA Debate website.
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Might you be interested in participating in a trip to the Gulf coast next summer for post-Katrina cleaning and construction? Two DA Presidents might inspire you to say yes:
• John Harlow (DA 2000, son of Patsy Harlow, Anna Edwards’ 2nd grade assistant teacher) recently returned from 8 months of Katrina recovery and construction work in Mississippi. After graduating from Dartmouth, this former Student Council President worked for Google until he felt that his work would be more useful in the Gulf region. John is now back in North Carolina, doing some writing and planning his next move. One of his pieces, a review of Spike Lee’s documentary on the post-Katrina catastophe, was published recently in the online Gelf magazine: http://www.gelfmagazine.com/mt/archives/broken_levees_broken_promises.html
• 9th grade class President Will Lindsey spent a week last summer doing similar Katrina relief work. He aims to take a group of DA students next summer and needs at least one faculty chaperone to accompany the group. Will’s rough notes on his plan are attached. Please see him or me if you might consider going.
December 3
Jon Enberg (DA alumnus, Navy diver, and son of our former colleague Marge) recently departed for a 6-month tour in Baghdad. He would certainly appreciate hearing from his old teachers, supportive new teachers, or students who want a local connection for Leslie Ogden’s Give2TheTroops initiative. Email: jon.enberg@navy.mil
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Good news from this weekend’s debate tournament in Greensboro: DA won 3rd place in overall sweepstakes. Individually, on the debate side, Josh Zoffer and Tristan Bepler took 1st in novice public forum. Caitlin Finn and Mackin Brinegar took 2nd in novice public forum, intensifying a friendly intrasquad rivalry. Dede Pless and Grace Wallack showed that they are getting back in form, placing 2nd in varsity public forum. And Josh Erb's recent work paid off as he took 2nd in novice Lincoln-Douglas. On the IE side, Evan Donahue made a clean sweep of his events, taking 1st in varsity extemp and 1st in varsity impromptu. Robert Kindman was 3rd in impromptu, while Max Ramage had a very strong debut performance, finishing 5th in impromptu. Full season results, schedule, and info at http://academics.da.org/debate/
December 17
Is DA’s the best speech and debate program in the state? Pound-for-pound, almost certainly so: Patrick Toomey and Katherine Buse won public forum at the by-application-only Carolina Challenge Cup, while Evan Donahue did the same in impromptu. Two entries, two wins! At the North Mecklenburg novice/JV tournament, Josh Erb was 1st in novice Lincoln-Douglas, Mackin Brinegar and Will Lindsey were 2nd in novice public forum, and Josh Zoffer and Tristan Bepler stepped up to JV, taking 4th place in their first outing at that level. Every competitor that attended came home with hardware in a tremendous showing! Perhaps most inspiring are the recent accolades for Patrick Toomey and Katherine Buse. While we can’t vouch for the authority of the site, www.forensicsonline.net ranks Patrick and Katherine the #1 Public Forum Debate team in the nation.
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The other team that has gone from nonexistence to national prominence in 5 years: DA Chess. Here’s part of a recent update from coach Craig Jones about the waves of talented chess players about to wash into the Upper School: “24 Durham Academy Students competed this past weekend at the National Grades Chess Championships in Orlando, Florida. In this very prestigious event the students only play others in their own grade. DA fielded full teams in 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th and had individuals also competing in 1st and 9th grades. The competition was obviously very tough with many of the nations top scholastic chess players in attendance. This type of event allows our players to get a feel for chess at a much higher level. “Placing” at grades is very difficult since they only award team trophies to the top 5 teams in each grade and with so many of the best teams in attendance it’s a very tight fit at the top. The New York City area has the oldest and deepest programs and continually give headaches to the nations youth chess players but now there are many other very strong regions making these events even more difficult. Each time we go to these events one or more of our team sets new school highs and inches inexorably closer to the top. Durham Academy’s 7th and 8th grade teams both cracked into the elite placing level by both grabbing 5th place finishes! This was a fantastic result and is yet again our best showing ever at Nationals, which is becoming a welcomed broken record. (Pun intended!)”
The 8th grade team.
1 Fred Ward
2 Carl Ward
3 Robert Jackson
4 Elliot Cartee
5 David Sailer
The 7th grade team.
1 Paul Weiner
2 Matthew Novak
3 Jordan Baker
4 Braxton Carr
5 Alan Lindsey
Durham will host the 2006 State Scholastic Chess Tournament in February. About 500 students are expected to be here – approximately 60 from DA.
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Griet Van Miegrot (Lotte’s mom and Director of DA Extended Day programs) recently asked, “Why wait for the Strategic Planning Task Forces?” Mandarin Chinese Classes will soon be offered on Mondays after school by Ms. Alison Kum (DA parent).
Mondays, 3:30 – 5 pm, January 8 to April 23 (13-weeks)
No class on January 15, March 12 and March 26. Make-up class is May 21
For more information or to enroll yourself or inquire for an advisee, contact Ms. Alison Kum at 323-6088 or alisonngai@yahoo.com.Tuition is $195, plus $25 book fee. December 19 (Tuesday) is the registration deadline. Space is limited. First come first served.
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Chip Denton (father of Jenny and Headmaster of Trinity School on Pickett Rd.) sent the following preview. I plan to attend and hope we’ll have at least a small contingent of DA teachers and parents.
On February 8, 2006, sociologist Christian Smith will come to Trinity to talk about the spiritual life of adolescents. Smith knows what he's talking about, and we think this a great chance for parents and educators to gain insight into this important part of the life of teenagers.
In many discussions of American teenage life, religion is often overlooked. Yet most American teens say that religious faith is important in their lives. What is the spiritual landscape among American teenagers? What do they really believe? What religious practices do they engage in? Do they expect to remain faithful to the religious traditions of their parents? Or are they abandoning those traditional religious institutions in search of new, more "authentic" spirituality?
These are the questions which sociologists Christian Smith and Melinda L. Denton have tackled in the largest and most detailed study of teenagers and religion ever undertaken: the National Study of Youth and Religion. The story they tell, based on nationwide telephone interviews and over 250 extensive face-to-face interviews, is now available in their book, Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers.
Christian Smith, formerly Professor of Sociology at UNC, now teaches at Notre Dame University. On February 8, 2006, Smith will give a presentation of his findings in the gymnasium at Trinity School, located at 4011 Pickett Road. Trinity is hosting this event for its own parents and also for the community at large. The students whom Smith studied represent a diverse sample of American teenagers, and his illuminating and insightful findings will be of interest to parents of different faiths and of none--to anyone who is interested in the way the current generation of teenagers thinks about matters of religion and spirituality.
Smith will give his presentation and then have a time for questions and answers. The program begins at 7:00 pm.
There is no charge for this event. Through a generous gift from the Trinity School Parents Association and Christian Smith himself, the first 100 families in the door will receive a free copy of Smith and Denton's book, Soul Searching. By making this gift possible, the authors and Trinity School hope to increase understanding of American teenage spirituality in our community.
I'd be glad to talk about this event with anyone at your school who is interested. Directions to the school can be found on the Trinity website at Error! Hyperlink reference not valid..
Thanks for helping us promote this event.
Chip Denton
Headmaster, Trinity School
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October’s Alumni Reunion brought hundreds of Cavs back to DA. Two who likely came the furthest were members of the class of 1996. Hiro Ishito from Tokyo, and Galen Nuttall from Caracas. Galen’s Bahai faith first led him for a one-year trip to Colombia, but one year turned into six, and romance (now a wife) helped him shift his “permanent” home to South America. Galen now lives in Caracas, where he’s helping found a Venezuelan satellite for the Columbian university with which he’s worked for several years.
In addition to a guest-lecture gig in my Advanced Spanish class, Galen spent a day hanging around the Upper School. It was the first time he had returned since June of 1996. Below are some excerpts of a recent email from Galen
Hey Michael:
It was my pleasure to visit DA. I haven't thought much of it since I left but going back really felt like going back home even though I have no roots in NC anymore. The most surprising thing of all was that so many things have changed but so many things are the same. When Brian [Engle], Seneca [York] and I piled into his minivan and drove around like nuts after the reunion it felt like I'd only been away for a long weekend. Lots of nostalgia came flooding back, which was actually the only side effect I was worried about. But it was all good indeed. The only thing I regret was that my trip was so short and the time with your class seemed to pass especially fast.
I also wanted to write to you about DA's commitment to diversity and excellence. I have to admit when I first heard about it and filled out that questionnaire I took it with a grain of salt. Every time I visited the website and saw pictures of kids with minority backgrounds I thought, "yeah right." I was very much surprised when I got the school that I did notice more diversity and also a bit more of a friendly atmosphere than I remember. Maybe it's just my perception but I was very impressed by the assembly meeting and the seemingly enthusiastic student body. I was also very impressed by the commitment to excellence and the idea that graduates should be more prepared for real world challenges. I hope that goes well. I never knew what to make of my time at DA and wasn't sure if I was proud of the place as a school but after my visit I am definitely proud to call the school my Alma Mater and am even sporting a DA bumper sticker (safe to say the only one in the Country)
So I'm sending you some pictures attached of the night of the reunion and also the kids in the 5th grade class at the school I mentioned. See if you can spot me among them.
Very nice to be in touch,
Galen Nuttall Brian Engle, Galen, Anna Larsen, Hiro Ishito, Maria Marinos
January 7
Congratulations to Howard, who recently won a grant from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund for $116,849.20 (yes, you read that right!) to support his project “Mars Outreach for North Carolina Students.” Howard is also applying for a “Toyota Tapestry” grant of $10,000 to support his collaboration with the NC Maritime Museum and their Cape Lookout Studies program.
Excerpts of a happy letter sent recently to David Markus: “It is my pleasure to inform you that your 9th grade student, Megan Mikhail has won the Senior Story category in our Take Five writing contest for her outstanding piece entitled "The Metamorphosis". We had over 1,700 entries this year and after we narrowed each category down, young adult novelist Ursula LeGuin personally handpicked Megan's story. Congratulations! As a winner, Megan's story will be published in our April/May issue of Writing Magazine
Thank you very much and again, please extend our congratulations to Megan. She has created a story that describes the wonder and beauty of a rapidly changing fantasy world that completely encompasses the ideas of this contest. "Metamorphosis" is an enjoyable read that makes you want to go back and read again and again...
Sincerely,
Bryon Cahill, Literary Editor, READ and Writing Magazines
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Sir Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, will deliver the 2007 Kenan Distinguished Lecture in Ethics on "The Dignity of Difference: How to Avoid the Clash of Civilizations," at Reynolds Theatre on January 18, 2007.
January 18, 5 – 6:30 pm, Reynolds Theater in the Bryan Center http://kenan.ethics.duke.edu
January 14
A note of advice from the Honor Council: A few recent cases have made clear that Honor cases go more smoothly and more productively when teachers talk directly and immediately with students about any concerns they have. Every year, the Honor Council President and I ask teachers to consult the President with any concerns about a possible violation. This advice stands: the Honor Council, this and every year, is a remarkably thorough, responsible, and wise group. At the same time, teachers should (as soon as they sense a problem with the Honor Code), address the matter transparently with the student(s) involved. While the Honor Council will hold a hearing as soon as possible, the teacher-student relationship remains foremost. If you think a student may have broken the Honor Code, follow these two steps, then stay tuned:
1. Talk with the student about your concerns, and
2. Refer the matter to the HC President and/or me.
Natalie and the Honor Council are now developing a web page with frequently asked questions about how they work, what they do, and what students can expect from their teachers and from the Council hearing. I think it will be a great resource. If you have any questions or suggestions about the Honor Council or its protocol, please feel free to email me or Natalie (nsutton719@gmail.com) at any point.
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Faculty brat helps conquer nation’s top debate team! Josh Zoffer and Tristan Bepler were undefeated and took 1st place in varsity public forum in their first-ever varsity tournament. Astonishing! Patrick Toomey and Katherine Buse, though also undefeated, were relegated to 2nd, while Grace Wallack and Dede Plesstook 4th. Evan Donahue was 1st in extemp, 5th in impromptu, while Michael Roubey was 5th in extemp. DA also had a strong showing innovice Lincoln-Douglas, with Josh Erb placing 5th (his third trophy in a row) and Jennifer McMorrow placing 4th.It was a mid-sized (25 schools) tournament this week and a good showing by our kids. Augurs well for the heart of the season over the next couple of months . . .
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Another sign of parent gratitude: An email from Jean Sailer, mother of Christine (’06) and Don (’05): “You have some wonderful faculty as I’m sure you know Mr. Ulku-Steiner!!! I can’t thank them since this is Don’s scene, but they have made his break. I’m not sure many schools have teachers like Mr. Markus, Mr. Phu, Mr. Adair, and Mr. Cullen that let Don show up for 3 days in a row to shadow their classes, say a few words to their class, talk to him about everything (track, math, history, etc.), go to lunch with him, etc. WOW!! It is really a privilege to have my kids at DA!”
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Click here for a brief update from Kelly Smoke,
(DA ’00), now working for Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina:
http://www.pefnc.org/about/staff.php
In Morning Meeting on Wednesday, we heard Harry Stark announce a new electronic pen pal arrangement between DA students. Here’s the email that got the ball rolling:
Mr. Ulku-Steiner,
Not sure if you remember me (the skinny kid on the '94 freshman basketball team), since you've met a lot of students since me and I haven't shown my face around campus too much since I graduated. I
haven't shown my face because I have been deployed overseas much of the time after college with the Marines doing various engineering stuff. I am currently in Iraq doing Civil Affairs in the city of Fallujah. I
spend most of my time working with the city engineers trying to fix the multitude of problems they have, but I also work with the teachers and the mayor and the city council to solve social issues as well. I also
wrote the letter (below) to my minister (thus the Christian tone of the message) based on my experiences here. So it occurred to me as I'm standing in this high school class here in Fallujah and the students
tell me that 75% of them have access to e-mail, I realize that I could help my goal of my letter of increasing the sense of community between the two groups by starting an e-mail correspondence between the students
here and the ones back home. So I'm writing you to ask if you would be interested in this and if one of the faculty there at DA would be interested in working with me to set up some e-mail accounts that
students here in Fallujah could send e-mails to, and that the DA students would then respond to. I think it would be a great opportunity to learn about each other's lives and see how similar we all are (the
kids here even like Britney Spears and Eminem). If you have someone who would be interested in leading this, I can work with him/her to work out the details. Just thought I'd ask. Thank you very much for your time.
Sincerely,
Capt Mike Vanderweide, 4th Civil Affairs Group, USMC
http://www.michaelvanderweide.com
I was thinking about something a few nights ago as I was lying awake trying to decide how my good friend getting shot in the face the other day was impacting the greater war on terrorism. It made me think of the bigger picture and I just wanted to put down my thoughts because I hope that spreading them might help win this war.
The thing to understand is that the stated goal of the terrorist is to drive a wedge between the Muslims and the Christians in the world and then use that hate to rally the masses to re-establish the Caliphate with them at the controls. And unfortunately they are winning because the fight here is only a small part of that. The bigger part of it is back in the states. I see news stories about how we should search all Muslims before they get on planes, how we should do background checks on all Muslims in American, how the “terrorists and suicide bombers are the true face of Islam” and how this is a war between Islam and Christianity that we must win. Then I talk to my Muslim friends in America and they tell me how worried they are about how they will be treated and that they feel hated and only want to be around their Muslim friends. I see this and realize that the terrorists are winning. The reason they are winning at convincing the Muslims of the world that the Americans and Christians hate them and want to wipe out Islam, is because that is exactly how we are acting. I see and hear the following prevailing attitudes in Americans and Christians toward Muslims:
• Segregate and isolate them: Isolation only allows them to be more manipulated into believing that Christians and Americans hate them.
• Hate them and punish them because they are all extremists: That is exactly what the terrorists want us to do. Besides, I have a lot of Muslim friends and met a lot of Muslims here who are not extremists.
• Convert them: We would take offense if someone came up to us and told us what we should believe, told us that what we believe is wrong and told us that we must change.
The only way to beat the terrorist strategy is if we as Americans and Christians work with absolute urgency to convince our fellow human beings who believe in something slightly different, that they are not the enemy, that they are part of our community, that we do not want to convert them to Christianity, and that we love them rather than hate them. I have seen this work first hand. One of the engineers at the Fallujah Engineer Meeting told me that before meeting us and working with us to improve the lives of the civilians, he believed that all Americans and Christians were evil and just wanted to take from the Muslims. I changed his mind not by holding a gun or a bible to his head, I just worked with him and showed him that we cared. I’m not a bleeding heart. I think we should capture the lead terrorists who are manipulating Islam for their ends because they are incapable of understanding love, only personal power and greed. However, the vast majority of Muslims around the world are capable, including the Iraqi children I see every day, my close Muslim friends in America, and the majority of the Muslims around the world that just want to live in peace. The terrorist are trying to convince them that we hate them, it is our obligation to show them that we don’t. We are fighting hard and well and winning locally, but it is not the military that is going to win this larger war. It is up to every American. I hope that you can pass that message on and encourage people to actively make Muslims feel part of the local and world community.
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