Parent Bulletin

PLEASE NOTE: We are resending the April 26 issue of the Parent Bulletin because we just discovered there was a problem with the distribution list and not all parents received it. We apologize to those who are receiving it for a second time, and to those we missed last week.

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This edition of the Parent Bulletin is more “robust” than usual, but we hope you will read to the end for several important notices about what is coming up here at Andover. You will note that the local ABC house is sponsoring a 5K race to benefit their program as well as the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. This is but one way in which our extended community is channeling the reactions to the tragedy into positive action. Phillips Academy’s Non Sibi Society has also mounted efforts to raise money for the victims and their families. While the benefits and news reports remind us daily of the devastation wrought in Boston, our students are resilient and have generally returned to their routines. We remain vigilant, however, for any indications that students need extra support, whether triggered by the awful acts in Boston or other concerns.

On Wednesday, May 1, Phillips Academy will be conducting a test of our emergency notification system. At approximately 10 a.m. EST on this date, you will receive text and voice messages that will constitute the test of the system. The text message will come from one of two numbers: 226787 or 67283. If you create “PA Emergency Alert” as the name for a phone contact for both of these numbers, you will always know when a notification is coming from the Academy’s emergency notification system. Please note that the voice message will appear to come from the Phillips Academy number 978-749-4102. If you see that you have missed a call from this number, please do not call the number back. You will have a voice message indicating the nature of the test.

If, by 10:45 a.m. EST, you have not received an emergency notification text or voice message, please contact Maureen Ferris at mferris@andover.edu with your cell phone number and email address so that she may ensure that your information is included accurately in the system. Going forward, we plan to test the system once per term.

Thanks in advance for participating in this important aspect of our emergency preparedness.

Independent School Health Check

The Community Health Team will administer the Independent School Health Check (ISHC) to our entire student body on Friday, May 17, 2013 from 9:40-10:20 am. The ISHC is a survey administered to high school students in independent schools around the country. Several of our peer schools participate, and 6 of the 8 Eight Schools Association schools will participate this year. We plan to use this data to guide the enhancement of the health education program that we will coordinate over the coming year. The ISHC is given every 2 years, and in 2011 we were able to achieve 100% participation. We hope to achieve this rate again this year, and appreciate any support you can lend to this process.

A Better Chance 5K Race

On Sunday, April 28, the 3rd annual 5K Fun-Run & Walk held by Andover A Better Chance (ABC) takes place at 10 a.m., beginning at 134 Main Street. The first Fun-Run was dedicated as “Hope for Japan” for the victims of the massive earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan in 2011. Once again, this 5K event follows on the heels of a tragic and transformative event, this time much closer to home. Only days after the Boston Marathon bombings, the lockdown of Boston, and the harrowing capture of the bombing suspect, we continue to process the events. The race will give the participants the opportunity to celebrate the resilient and generous spirit that Boston has shown the world.

Grandparents’ Day: Saturday, May 11, 2013

Each spring the Phillips Academy community welcomes grandparents to campus to spend a special day with their grandchildren and glimpse their Andover experiences. Grandparents are invited to attend classes with their grandchild, have lunch at Paresky Commons including a special dessert celebration with Mr. Palfrey, as well as attend a student showcase and various athletic events.

If your student’s grandparents need more information about the day or would like to register, please go to www.andover.edu/gpday13.

Message from PSPA President Tina Kinard

Greetings from your new PSPA President! My name is Tina Kinard and I am a local boarding parent living in Lexington, MA. I know how important it is to feel connected to your child's experience at Andover, and I hope to help foster and develop that sense of community between PA Parents. Please feel free to contact me at: pspa@pspaandover.org.

The next PSPA meeting, on May 9 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Kemper Auditorium features a panel of seniors sharing “Lessons Learned from the College Admission Process,” moderated by College Counseling. This should not be missed! Please note that the video of April’s PSPA Parents’ Meeting, Gems of the Curriculum, is now online for viewing. The password to access videos is: PAparent.

Phillipian Commencement Issue – Parent Submissions

During the weekend of June 7-9, The Phillipian will publish its annual Commencement issue, a longer version of the paper—which captures major events that happened throughout the school year. Parents may submit a picture or congratulatory message to their child(ren). In years past, The Phillipian has received so many submissions for this issue that it has run several extra pages, and parents often see it as a keepsake. Commencement ads come in five sizes and can be printed in black and white or color. You can design your own ad and send it as a JPEG to Zoe Gallagher, or send your desired pictures and text and our staff will help with the layout! Please send payment to Stephen Moreland at 180 Main Street, Andover, MA 01810. Checks should be made payable to Trustees of Phillips Academy. Questions? Please contact Rome Arnold, the Phillipian’s director of operations. Submission deadline is May 26. Thank you for your support!

Annual College Fair April 29

Phillips Academy will host its annual College Fair from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, April 29, in the Case Memorial Cage. Students and parents are invited to attend and meet representatives from more than 150 colleges and universities from around the world. The fair offers high school students and their families an ideal opportunity to familiarize themselves with a wide range of colleges and universities. Representatives from the participating institutions will be available to answer questions and to distribute informational literature. Admission is free. For more information, call the College Counseling Office at 978-749-4155 or e-mail college-counseling@andover.edu.

Summer Storage Option

Wondering what to do with your boarding student’s belongings this summer? Phillips Academy has partnered with Collegeboxes to provide a solution. There are fees associated with this service. Collegeboxes will provide the pickup, storage, and delivery service, and Phillips Academy’s Central Services Department will sell the supply kits. These kits contain five, double walled 24x18x16 boxes, packing tape, marker, label pouches, and zip ties. Individual boxes can also be purchased. Pickups are scheduled Wednesday, June 5; Thursday, June 6; and Friday, June 7, which is reserved for seniors and those participating in Commencement. Visit the Collegeboxes website to sign up. Click on “Summer Storage and Shipping” and choose Phillips Academy Andover from the drop-down menu for more information. Additional information can be found on the Parent Portal. If you have any questions, please contact Claudia Scofield, in the Dean of Students’ Office, by phone at 978-749-4124 or by email cscofield@andover.edu.

Upcoming Events

Friday, April 26

Saturday, April 27

Sunday, April 28

Monday, April 29

Saturday, May 4

Sunday, May 5

Thursday, May 9

Saturday, May 11, Grandparents’ Day