Parent Bulletin
Phillips Academy Head of School Office
Rebecca Sykes, associate head of school
January 20, 2012
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What, you might ask, is new at Phillips Academy in the third
week back from break, now that academic, work duty and sports and
exercise placements for the winter term are done and students are
happily settled into their routines?
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day was celebrated on Monday in fine fashion, with
highlights including the inspirational all-school meeting talk by Dr.
Freeman Hrabowski; the performance by the Phillips Academy Gospel
Choir; the one-man show by Dr. Michael Fowlin, “You Don’t Know Me Until
You Know Me,” performed for juniors and lowers; numerous workshops led
by students, faculty and outside guests for uppers, seniors, faculty and
staff; and Brace Fellow and CAMD Scholar presentations that were open
to all.
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Staying Healthy
Although
our weather on Andover Hill is not typical, the seasonal illnesses
certainly have struck as expected. Director of Nursing Katie Vozeolas
recently sent a “staying healthy” message to the community with the
following information:
As is typical of this time of year, Isham is seeing an
increase in visits and overnight stays for colds and viral illnesses.
You all are familiar with basic infection control measures, but let’s
review:
- Wash your hands frequently, wash your hands frequently, wash your hands frequently…
- Use hand sanitizer when you cannot wash your hands.
- Cough into your sleeve.
- Limit prolonged periods in close proximity with others. Stay 3-6 feet away from someone who is ill.
- Eat well and don’t share beverage containers or utensils.
- Get plenty of rest. (Ok I am dreaming…)
- Stay hydrated.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get your flu shot. (Available at Isham Health Center)
The reality is we are all spending more time indoors, in closed
spaces, which increases our risk of illness. Apply some these
suggestions to prevent a cold or other illness.
Further, I want to take this opportunity to remind all that
unpleasant creatures like head lice and scabies, on rare occasion, make
an appearance on campus. These pests like all kinds of people in all
kinds of places even Andover! Contracting lice or scabies is not
uncommon for youth. If you are concerned about an itchy head, or a
rash, please come to Isham to be evaluated!
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In Touch With…
Chris Capano, Director of Student Activities
By all
accounts, the daily life of an Andover student can be an unbelievably
busy experience. The Student Activities Department aims to give our
students a chance to relax and unwind in a fun and safe atmosphere.
At the hub of the activities department are our office and the
student center, affectionately known as “The Den,” and located in the
lower level of Paresky Commons. Here students can grab a snack, catch
the game on our giant projection screen or just hang out.
Our student-run Student Activities Board (SAB) schedules a calendar
full of performers and other exciting events. Every year the SAB hosts
bands, magicians, hypnotists and comedians, organizes student
coffeehouses, game show nights, carnivals and a multitude of themed
dances, just to name a few on-campus happenings. All of these events
are highlighted in our student produced “Weekender” which is emailed
weekly to all students. (The Weekender is available to parents on the Parent Portal.)
Students are also encouraged to join one of over 100 student-led
clubs and organizations. Our list of organizations is as diverse as our
student body, and includes groups for musicians, gamers, the
politically minded, as well as student publications, cultural clubs and
philanthropic collectives. Club meetings are open to all, and students
can join at any time during the school year.
Of course, no discussion of student activities at PA would be
complete without a mention of our inimitable Blue Key Heads! This group
of ten seniors serves as the school’s spirit leaders, cheering squad,
and supporters of all things Andover Blue. Recognizable by the blue
skirts they wear (boys and girls) as they root for our Big Blue
athletes, these exuberant seniors help new students through orientation,
and lead their classmates through pep rallies and Andover-Exeter
weekend.
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Jewish Cultural Weekend, January 26th to January 28th
One of the highlights of this year’s Jewish Cultural Weekend will be the Laugh-In-Peace Tour, presented by Rabbi Bob Alper and Mohammed Amer on January 26th at 8:00 p.m. in the Tang Theater.
Laugh-in-Peace is the brainchild of Rabbi Alper,
self-described as “The world’s only practicing clergyman doing stand-up
comedy…intentionally.” Rabbi Alper performs across North America,
London, and at The Hollywood Improv. He is heard daily on Sirius/XM
Radio, and seen on Showtime, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN,
and Extra. Recently the tour was profiled in a CBS News feature.
Rabbi Alper will be performing with Mohammed (Mo) Amer. Mr.
Amer was born in Kuwait to Palestinian parents, and fled his birth
country at the age of nine during the Gulf War. His family settled in
Houston where, as a teen, he developed his comedy craft after observing
that Muslim moms, dads, and uncles are funny, too! Mo has performed to
rave reviews in 16 countries, and in USO shows for our troops in Iraq.
This event is made possible by a grant from the Abbot Academy Association and is free and open to the public.
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Upcoming Events
Friday, January 20 & Saturday, January 21
College Counseling Kick-Off Weekend for Parents of the Class of 2013 (see the Parent Portal for details).
Friday, January 20
Jazz Concert featuring Pete Robbins ’97, 7:30 p.m., Graves Hall
Free and open to the public. For more information, email music@andover.edu.
Sunday, January 22
Summer Opportunities Fair, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Smith Center
Free and open to the public.
Wednesday, January 25
Addison Gallery Concert, featuring Lesley Flannigan & Tristan Perich ’00, 6:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public. For more information, email music@andover.edu.
Friday, January 26
Opening Reception for Winter Exhibitions, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Addison Gallery
Free and open to the public.
Laugh-In-Peace Tour, 8:00 p.m., Tang Theater
Free and open to the public. For more information, email mswarttz@andover.edu.
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