Parent Bulletin

Phillips Academy Head of School Office
Rebecca Sykes, associate head of school

May 24, 2013

“So much to do and so little time!” “Is it June, yet?” These familiar sentiments are voiced all over campus as the school year draws to a close. There is a lot to do still, but we are eager for a break. You can imagine that it is sometimes a challenge to keep our focus. Students try to balance academic requirements, rehearsals, performances, club obligations, service projects and final athletic commitments, all while being lured to relax with friends in weather that portends of summer leisure. (Have you heard of “lawning?” It’s our students’ unique term for spending time on the Great Lawn.)

The adults are here to help students make it successfully through, and parents can be our partners by reinforcing the importance of nutrition, exercise and sleep even when each day is packed. Thank you for your encouragement (of your children and the faculty!) and perspective. While our steady workload and high standards may lead them to think otherwise on occasion, we, of course, want our students to enjoy their overall experience.

As we enter the Spring 2013 Andover-Exeter Weekend and a period of many final performances and exhibitions, we wish all of our athletes, artists, musicians, dancers, scholars and Big Blue fans well. Just a little more push to the finish line. We can do it!

News from the PSPA

•	Families of seniors are invited to attend the Pre-Prom Party on Thursday, June 6 from 5–6 p.m. in the Flagstaff Courtyard. This annual event, sponsored by PSPA, is a terrific opportunity to take photos and enjoy refreshments before the students head off to the prom. If you would like to make a donation of food or cash, or you would like to volunteer at the event, please contact: Kirsten Vallis at pk3@comcast.net or Michelle D’Ambrosio at gerryandmichell@comast.net.
•	Time is running out to order your Senior DVD! This professionally produced two hour keepsake captures every senior and highlights many special moments throughout senior year. To view a previous Senior DVD, and to place an order, go to: pspa.myshopify.com/products/senior-dvd.
•	Please plan to visit our new PSPA Store on the lower level of GW Hall during Commencement and Alumni weekends! There are many, terrific new items. The store will be open June 6, 12–4 p.m., June 7, 12–3 p.m., June 8, 8 a.m.–12 p.m., June 14, 12–3 p.m. and June 15, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. You can also visit the online store at pspa.myshopify.com. All profits support student activities.
•	Finally, we have many opportunities to volunteer in our PSPA Store in the weeks ahead. We are especially looking for help during Alumni Weekend. It’s fun and it’s appreciated! To sign up for a shift, please visit our PSPA volunteer sign up.

Commencement Celebrations at the Andover Inn

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The Andover Inn invites you to celebrate with friends, family, and your graduate after Commencement on Sunday, June 9. Enjoy our expanded brunch service featuring Honey Bourbon London Broil, our popular Orange and Crabmeat Encrusted Haddock, Stuffed French Toast, and Bloody Mary Bar. The first seating will be at 11:30 a.m. Adults $36, Children 12 years and under $18, Children 5 years and under free. Reservations are required. Contact Samuel’s restaurant at 978-775-4910.

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Planning a party or gathering at the Inn over graduation weekend? Limited space is still available. Contact Jen Lawlor or Sara Gunter in Sales at 978-775-4908 or 978-775-4902.

Senior Class Photos

Parents interested in downloading a free copy of the Senior Class photo can find several versions of it here on the Phillips Academy SmugMug website.

BlueCard News for Fall 2013

Starting in September, students will be required to use their Blue Cards to pay for all off-campus trips. Our goal is to streamline payments for families and the academy. Students can visit the Blue Card Office anytime between 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday to pay for their trips. Also beginning in September, students will be asked to use their Blue Cards to make purchases in the Art Store and Music Supplies Store. If you have any questions about the Blue Card, please call 978-749-4124 or email bluecard@andover.edu.

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 to our staff who 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!

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.

Andover Bookstore

The Andover Bookstore has a selection of special gift items for graduation as well as diploma frames. All items can be found at the following link: www.hugobookstores.com/pa-store/trending-items

Upcoming Events

Friday, May 24

•	Academy Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, featuring Vincent Lau performing Strauss Horn Concerto and Miki Nagahara performing Bruch Violin Concerto at 8 p.m. in Cochran Chapel. (Free and open to the public.)

Friday, May 24 & Saturday, May 25

•	Musical “Spelling Bee”, Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in Tang Theater. For tickets, call the box office at 978-749-4433.

Saturday, May 25

•	Senior recital featuring Tiffany Lam, viola, at 7:30 p.m. in the Timken Room at Graves Hall. (Free and open to the public.)

Sunday, May 26

•	Academy Jazz Band will perform with the 2012–2013 Chapin Guest Artist, Leo Blanco, at 2 p.m. in Cochran Chapel. (Free and open to the public.)
•	Senior recital featuring James Garth, bassoon and voice, at 4 p.m. in Cochran Chapel. (Free and open to the public.)

Friday, May 31

•	Academy Chorus and Fidelio Society under the direction of faculty member Christopher Walter at 7:30 p.m. in Cochran Chapel. (Free and open to the public.)

Saturday, June 1

•	Phillips Academy Chamber Music Society, comprised of faculty and students, will perform at 6:30 p.m. in the Timken Room at Graves Hall. (Free and open to the public.)

Saturday, June 8

•	Commencement Orchestra Concert at 3 p.m. in Cochran Chapel. (Free and open to the public.)